Plans to move Tesco’s Hibel Road store to a derelict mill nearby could create hundreds of new jobs in the town.

The supermarket chain, which  employs 296 people at  its store,  wants to build a much bigger Tesco Extra over the way at  Black Road – with an additional 200 jobs. It would be on the site of Barracks Mill, which  was destroyed by a fire in 2004.

Tesco’s current premises would then be converted into warehouse units for other retailers, potentially creating a further 100 jobs.

Matthew Magee, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said: “These are exciting times for Macclesfield and we want to be part of the wider investment in the town.

“Our plans for Barracks Mill will help to regenerate an important site that has stood derelict for seven years. Now we are bringing forward the chance to bring the site back to life, improving our supermarket offering, creating new jobs and pro-actively targeting long-term unemployed, including young people and deliver a new retail scheme.”

He added that plans include working with local groups to look at improving links to the town centre, improving the Middlewood Way and ensuring sufficient car parking.

Tesco’s Metro store on Exchange Street is also set for a multi-million pound facelift.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley said improved town centre links would be particularly welcome.

He said: “I’m pleased that Tesco is showing a real vote of confidence in Macclesfield. I’ll be interested to see the plans in more detail but I think it’s critical that Tesco gets involved with future plans for the town centre should this scheme go forward.

“The regeneration is particularly important for Macclesfield and the regeneration of the town centre.”

Ward councillor Gill Boston is pushing for jobs to be targeted at local youngsters. She said: “It’s going to bring quite a few jobs and, for my ward in particular, that’s a good thing.

“As far as I’m aware they have agreed to ring-fence those jobs around local people which is brilliant. As we all know unemployment is a big issue at the moment, particularly for young people.”

She added: “A proper consultation needs to take place with people living in Macclesfield and other business so we don’t end up with a new Tesco that takes business away from the town centre.”

Tesco will submit plans following a public exhibition of proposals at the The Heritage Centre, Roe Street, on Monday, December 5, at 2-7pm, or Tesco on Hibel Road on Tuesday, December 6, at 10am-6pm.