The development of the Print Mill in Macclesfield has been praised by local Member of Parliament, David Rutley, following his recent visit to the project.
The MP met with Diana Hamilton, Heritage and Culture Coordinator and Project Lead for the Print Mill, to find out how the Mill is offering Macclesfield a new creative retail hub and what opportunities it is providing for local artists and traders.
The development of the site was initially supported by Mary Portas funding provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government through Make it Macclesfield, which David also helped to secure. A further £10,000 has since been provided by Macclesfield Town Council, and plans are being developed to ensure that the site becomes self-sustaining, through the rent of studio spaces, retail sales and workshops. The Mill is also working with Graeme Bristow, Site Leader at Astra Zeneca and Board Member of Make it Macclesfield, to develop a long term strategy.
The Mill includes a small retail space, which showcases local products from knitters to jewellers, with 16 local makers and artists currently displaying their work. There are also basic printmaking facilities for workshops, which David took the opportunity to try out, including silk screen printing and a risograph. In addition to these permanent facilities, it is hoped that the Mill will be used as a regular site for activities and temporary installations, as well as supporting events in the town centre, including the Barnaby Festival.
Speaking following the visit, David said, “I am delighted with the progress being made at the Print Mill, offering Macclesfield a new creative outlet for local arts and crafts. This project is the result of a lot of hard work by many people, including representatives from Macclesfield Town Council, Make it Macclesfield and the Mary Portas funding, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their contributions. I look forward to seeing how the Mill continues to progress in the months ahead.”