David Rutley MP gave his support to Macclesfield’s In Town Living scheme, when he met with Macclesfield Town Centre Manager Diane Smith alongside local businessmen Martin Darcy and Owen Stevens.
This exciting initiative is turning empty commercial properties and spaces above shops into new town centre residences. Cheshire East Council has received £60,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to help open up more of the town centre to residential tenants.
The former Macclesfield Express office on Chestergate, now owned by Martin Darcy, has been improved by the scheme. The property now has two one bedroom flats on the upper floors, which were previously office space. The ground floor is being used as a shop once again by Simon Dunn Chocolatier.
The benefits of the In Town Living scheme are manifold. Landlords benefit from the renovation of their property and there is the possibility of funding to assist with the improvements to the property. New residential tenants living in the town centre breathe new life into the evening economy and help landlords spread the risk between residential and commercial lettings. Retail rents could also become more competitive as more of the space in a property is fully utilised.
David said, “It is great to see Cheshire East Council and the HCA teaming up to help revitalise Macclesfield town centre. Opening up unused space to residential tenants will help provide new homes for local people and boost the local economy. I would encourage landlords wanting to find out more about the scheme to get in touch with In Town Living.”
For more information on the scheme, call 01270 685 646 or email intownliving@makeitmacclesfield.co.uk