Fresh options for the town’s redevelopment include a cinema on Park Green, a Market Place quarter and a new stadium for Macclesfield Town FC.

A revitalised shopping district and cinema feature from previous blueprints but new ideas have sprung from consultations between Cheshire East Council (CEC) and the public.

CEC has proposed several ‘regeneration principles’.

Planning chiefs say building work should be inkeeping with the town’s character, and Chestergate, the Market Place and Mill Street should remain the commercial heart with larger developments on Roe Street and Churchill Way.

And CEC’s planning consultants suggest a review of car parking to boost visitor numbers.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, cabinet member for prosperity, said: "This excellent level of response has enabled us to prepare a set of options which reflect the needs and aspirations of the people of Macclesfield.

"The overwhelming message is that Macclesfield is not fulfilling its potential, which makes it even more important that we capture everyone’s views on these options."

Mandy Fazelynia, from Macclesfield Chamber of Trade, welcomed the news to keep the commercial heart beating.

"You have got to add to the town centre not detract from it," she said. "The centre is struggling enough as it is.

"It’s a brilliant idea to try to boost leisure both as a trader and local restaurateur. At the moment people in Macclesfield have to take the decision to eat somewhere rather than going out for a drink and then choosing somewhere. A lot go Wilmslow and Alderley Edge instead."

The council also released five different options for the South Macclesfield Development Area – an old idea to transform land sandwiched between Congleton Road, Lyme Green Business Park and Moss Lane.

The plans – to be put to consultation with the community – all differ but may include a mix of housing, commercial and retail units, a new football stadium or a council recycling depot.

"The next stage is to prioritise and fine-tune these into more specific proposals which can then be taken forward," said Coun Macrae.

"I urge people to make sure they don’t miss out on this opportunity to have their say on the future of their town."

The next round of consultations takes place at the Grosvenor Centre on Friday and Saturday (July 23 and July 24) from 10am to 4pm, and at Macclesfield Town FC on Monday (July 26) from 3pm to 8pm.

For more information on the full proposals and feedback forms log on to www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/maccregen or they can be be viewed at Macclesfield Town Hall.

Masterplan options:

  • Cinema at Park Green
  • Shops and leisure centre in Market Place Parking review to boost visitors
  • South Macclesfield revamp including a new
  • stadium for Macclesfield Town FC