The business community has given an overwhelming thumbs-down to Tesco over its plans for a new superstore.
One critic called it ‘probably the single greatest threat to the town’s prosperity’.
MP David Rutley called Tesco ‘cynical’ for refusing to get involved with the community until it needed to get a planning application through – and as the Wilson Bowden regeneration plans are imminent.
Matt Magee, Tesco corporate affairs manager, spoke to guests at the Business Breakfast about plans to replace the Hibel Road store with a Tesco Extra double the size at Barracks Mill.
It was a hard sell to guests who gave a frosty reception to the controversial plans which many say threaten the town centre.
Mr Magee said the plans will bring people to Macclesfield and stop people going to centres like Handforth Dean.
He said a hopper bus, pedestrian links and 1,000 free car parking spaces will mean more people go into town.
He said: “It’s in our interest that there is a thriving town centre. This is a major show of confidence in Macclesfield.
“The plans make it a better retail destination, which is better for everyone in the room.”
But nearly everyone in the room disagreed when Mr Rutley called for a show of hands of those in favour of the 100,000 sq ft development. Only one lone hand went up.
Granville Sellars said: “There are a lot of good people committed to making Macclesfield a thriving market town we can all be proud of.
“Now the government has opened its eyes to the problems faced by town centres the prospects for new out-of-town developments look grim.
“That leaves town centres and edge-of-town developments for the big boys to plunder.
“And they will target towns like Macclesfield where those committed folk are doing everything in their power to improve things.
“The last thing Macclesfield needs is a massive Tesco superstore, another retail park or more traffic problems on The Silk Road.
“Tesco’s plan is probably the single greatest threat to the town’s prosperity.”
Mr Magee said the new roundabout proposed on the Silk Road would improve traffic flow.
Guests questioned the idea that shoppers would go into town after using Tesco.
Mr Magee said parking for Tesco customers was priority, but they would make as many spaces available as possible for people to use and go into town.
Mr Rutley asked how many people would prefer a reduced scheme and more people put their hands up.
He said: “Over the last two and a half years I’ve been involved Tesco has never been around the table – not until they have an application to get through.
“It’s quite a cynical step to ‘up the ante’ with Wilson Bowden.
“We’ve got a lot of good things going on in town, there is enthusiasm for an improved offer, but you have to take an interest.”
Cheshire East is consulting on Tesco’s plans until the end of March.
