{"id":64453,"date":"2019-10-09T09:43:32","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T08:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=64453"},"modified":"2019-10-09T09:43:34","modified_gmt":"2019-10-09T08:43:34","slug":"cheshire-east-council-macclesfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/planning-construction-news\/cheshire-east-council-macclesfield\/64453\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheshire East Council backs regeneration framework for Macclesfield"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The support follows public consultation on a draft strategic regeneration framework for Macclesfield town centre \u2013 which maps out a vision for a \u2018town that celebrates its quirkiness\u2019<\/h2>\n

The framework set out a vision, strategy and \u2018route map\u2019 to support the vitality and viability of the town centre. It identifies seven \u2018character areas\u2019 as a focus of regeneration and nine strategic priorities for transforming the town centre as a catalyst for wider regeneration in Macclesfield<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Consultants were appointed by the council last year to put together the first draft framework. Residents were given the chance to comment on the draft in February and March and it has since been amended to take people\u2019s comments into consideration.<\/p>\n

A total of 79% of people who responded agreed with the vision of Macclesfield as a \u2018green, creative, connected and social\u2019 town that \u2018celebrates its quirkiness\u2019 and is \u2018rich in heritage and culture\u2019 and \u2018striving for a sustainable future<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n

Enhancing the town centre environment was the top priority identified. Cherishing the town\u2019s historic buildings and finding new purposes for its underused assets was the second priority ranked by respondents, followed by growing the town\u2019s leisure, cultural and evening economy.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile 90% called on Cheshire East to improve green space in the town, 85% wanted to see better public spaces and 82% called for improved pedestrian links and crossings.<\/p>\n

Chestergate and the \u2018historic heart\u2019 outside Macclesfield Town Hall<\/a> were the top priority areas for regeneration, according to respondents, followed in joint second place by the town\u2019s retail core and the area outside the train station.<\/p>\n

Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: \u201cThis strategic regeneration framework has been developed to give a clear direction for all those who want to help revitalise the town centre. It has been refined to take account of views raised via public consultation and I would like to thank everyone for their comments and for taking part in this valuable process. <\/p>\n

\u201cAgreeing this strategic regeneration framework is a crucial step towards unlocking the fantastic potential of the town and delivering a town centre that the people of Macclesfield deserve and can really take real pride in.\u201d <\/p>\n

The nine key objectives for the town centre, ranked in order of priority by consultation respondents, are:<\/h3>\n