In the first of a series of more regular meetings, local MP, David Rutley, has met with the Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Rachel Bailey, and its Acting Chief Executive, Ms Kath O’Dwyer, to keep the spotlight on much-needed initiatives to help deliver the regeneration of Macclesfield town centre.
David continues to actively work with Cheshire East Council, as well as local businesses and community groups, to help ensure that greater focus and resource are placed on the revitalization of the town centre. David was pleased to learn that Cheshire East Council is in the process of taking forward a new Strategic Regeneration Framework, which is currently being developed. The intention of this important initiative is to help more effectively co-ordinate the plans to regenerate Macclesfield town centre and ensure that progress is accelerated towards delivering the town centre and local residents need.
At the meeting, Cllr Bailey also confirmed to David that Cheshire East Council remains committed to investing an additional £5 million in the public realm in Macclesfield town centre, which was secured following David's meetings with Cllr Ainsley Arnold, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration. This is over and above the £1.4 million already allocated for this purpose, and continues to be an integral element of the town centre regeneration plans.
Speaking after the meeting, David said, "The plans to revitalise our town centre remain a key priority for me and it is clear that more must be done to invest in the economic potential of Macclesfield and make our town a more distinctive destination for shopping and services. It was good to see that both the Leader of Cheshire East Council and the Acting Chief Executive remain strongly committed to investing in the public realm, and I will continue to work with the Council, and local business and community groups in the weeks and months ahead to take forward vital regeneration projects.”