Council launches consultation on draft concept designs for Macclesfield public realm

Cheshire East Council is asking Macclesfield’s residents and businesses to help shape concept designs for the historic heart of the town centre, as it pushes ahead with its vision for regeneration.

A public consultation has been launched today on draft concept designs for public realm enhancements in Chestergate and Market Place.

The designs include introducing more greenery; widening pavement areas to improve the pedestrian experience and create more space for ‘alfresco’ use by cafés, bars and restaurants; and seeking opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and better showcase Macclesfield’s creativity and distinctiveness.

The council does not currently have identified funding for the delivery of these public realm enhancements, but agreed and costed designs are needed to support any bids for funding.

Peter Skates, Cheshire East Council’s director of growth and enterprise, said:

“The public consultation on our Macclesfield Strategic Regeneration framework in 2019 identified a strong desire to see the town centre environment enhanced, and highlighted that the public view Chestergate and Market Place as priority locations for regeneration.”

“We are acting on those views and have launched this consultation to make sure that the final concept designs draw on local knowledge and are informed by local people. The vision for Macclesfield is about a town that celebrates its quirkiness; a town which is green, creative, connected and social. And in putting together these draft designs, that vision has very much been kept in mind.”

“I hope that residents and businesses alike will take the time to participate in our consultation – there are a variety of proposals and we encourage you to share your views.”

The consultation – which runs until 5pm on 1 October 2021 – follows work on the Castle Street public realm enhancement scheme in Macclesfield town centre, which began in April this year and is ongoing.

To view the draft concept designs and have your say, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/chestergate

People can also respond to the consultation by emailing: MacclesfieldRegenerationTeam@cheshireeast.gov.uk or writing to: Macclesfield Regeneration, 2nd Floor, Macclesfield Town Hall, Market Place, Macclesfield, SK10 1EA.