Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, is calling on Cheshire East Council to put a clear focus on picking up the pace on regenerating Macclesfield town centre and making much needed improvements for local residents.
The local MP is calling for more action to be taken to improve the town centre. This includes setting out clear plans for a Silk Quarter around the Silk Museum and Paradise Mill that will give greater focus to the town’s silk heritage and help make the town a more distinctive destination. He is also asking for greater support to be given to finalise the recommendations of the new Heritage & Culture strategy and then deliver them urgently in the months ahead.
In addition, David wants plans for the future of Mill Street to be developed at pace. With the promised Silk Street retail and cinema scheme on the horizon, he believes that it is critical for the Council to work closely with local businesses and landlords to generate new plans for Mill Street. This will give both local retailers and residents greater confidence in the future of this important shopping street.
To drive this change forward, David wants to see more resources being dedicated to the task. That is why he is urging the Council to appoint a new Director of Regeneration for Macclesfield, to help finalise the town centre strategy and then work with local businesses and community groups to make it happen.
Macclesfield’s MP has had a number of meetings with Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, in recent weeks to discuss these important issues. He has asked the Council Leader to provide an update for local residents at the next Make It Macclesfield breakfast meeting, which is being held at Macclesfield Rugby Club on Friday 24th October from 8.00-9.30am.
David said, “In recent years, we are fortunate to have had a vision for the town crafted by the Make It Macclesfield Forum, Cheshire East Councillors and Officers working with local businesses and community groups. Positive progress is being made, but more now needs to be done to make the vision a reality.”
David continued, “It’s time to put the spotlight on Macclesfield again. We have seen successful projects being taken forward in Cheshire East in recent years, including Crewe station and the science park at Alderley Park. The Council now needs to build on the momentum of community-led initiatives, like the Barnaby Festival and the Treacle Market, and put a clear focus on regeneration in Macclesfield town centre.”