Developer unveils plans for Macc town centre

A PLANNING application to redevelop Macclesfield town centre has been submitted by Wilson Bowden Developments.

It is planning a new 250,000 sq ft scheme on under-used parcels of land in the town centre covering an area from Exchange Street to Park Lane, bounded by Mill Street, Water Street and Churchill Way.

The scheme will contain a new retail street, Silk St, containing a department store and up to 20 new shops. A new square will be created next to the town’s heritage centre, as well as an 8-screen cinema and a range of family restaurants. Car parking will also be provided on the existing Water St site and at a new multi-storey car park will be developed off Churchill Way.

Wilson Bowden said that its scheme has evolved alongside consultation undertaken by Cheshire East Council while developing a new town centre vision for Macclesfield.

Planning director Patrick Arthurs said: “We are pleased to be submitting the application and have worked closely with our partners and key stakeholders to develop a scheme that will meet the future demands of retailers in the town centre.

“The development application represents a considerable investment to help the sustained health of the centre and has responded positively to the constraints of the site to deliver a distinctive and strong architectural response that builds on the town’s identity and silk heritage.”

The submission of the application will kickstart a formal consultation period with a decision expected later this year.