More buildings need to be converted into houses to bring life back into the town centre. That was the message from the woman leading the town’s regeneration.
Fiona Seddon, the new Regeneration Programme Manager at Cheshire East, used the latest Make It Macclesfield Business Breakfast to appeal to owners of town centre shops and businesses with usable space to consider converting it into flats or homes.
She said the town needed a return to the ‘living above the shop’ culture of year’s gone to bring back it’s vibrancy.
The former Chair of the Local Area Partnership (LAP) told the meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall: “I think we all agree we need more residential space.
“We need to bring life back into Macclesfield and revitalise it.
“But to do that we need to get more people living in the town centre.
“Not only will it support local shops and businesses.
“But it will increase security for people and businesses alike by meaning there are more people in the town centre past 5.30pm.”
Mrs Seddon said the council wanted to work with developers to help them convert empty buildings.
The government last year relaxed the rules on converting a commercial property into a residential one and it may be possible without planning permission.
There are also grants available from the Homes to Communities Agency for businesses wanting to convert space into affordable housing.
The property must have been empty for more than six months and must meet government standards.
“This will help make Macclesfield even more of an attractive place to come and live,” Mrs Seddon said.
Funding bids must be submitted by noon on March 25.
For more info visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
