COUNCIL chiefs have launched a project to increase the number of people living in the town centre.
The Macclesfield Town Centre Housing Strategy aims to bring unused properties and land back into use by converting commercial properties into house and flats.
This means transforming not just small shops, but larger retail units, derelict factories and mills, and brownfield land.
Some sites prime for development include the former Kings Head pub on Chestergate and the former Register Office on Park Green.
Cheshire East Council says the scheme ties in with the regeneration plans for Macclesfield, protects the greenbelt, supports the local economy and improves security for residents and businesses in the town.
In a report discussed by the council’s cabinet last week, Simon Dunn Chocolatier on Chestergate was identified as a success story after the offices above the shop were turned into flats.
Council chiefs are now conducting research to identify properties to breathe new life into and are looking for funding and investment to aid conversions.
Plans are underway to deliver four units of affordable housing to encourage other developers and landlords to follow suit.
Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member for housing and jobs, said: “This project is being undertaken because the need for further housing has been identified as being of integral importance to the success of regeneration projects conducted across the country. Having residents in a town centre area can provide increased and consistent footfall, which consequently delivers higher levels of financial spending in the areas concerned.
“Furthermore, the idea of converting premises into part commercial and part residential could provide a greater return for property owners in the town.
“Many properties in Macclesfield have been suffering from under-investment for a number of years, which has threatened the historical charm of the town.
“Once completed, the benefits of the regeneration programme, coupled with greater numbers of residents in the town centre, will enhance Macclesfield’s contribution to the overall economic development of Cheshire East borough.”
