As the heated debate over the proposed £90m Wilson Bowden scheme for the town centre goes on, Chris Slater asks two families what the cinema, shops and other parts of the plan would mean for them ...
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
RACHEL ALLCOCK and husband Graham have lived in Macclesfield with their four-year-old daughter, Gwen for 13 years.
She believes the town must change and that the Silk Street scheme would give the town it's vibrancy back. She said: “I loved Macclesfield on sight. It struck me as somewhere big enough to offer decent shops but with a great sense of community.
“We never miss a Treacle Market, which is great for the town, but it makes me very sad to see our depleted high street. It’s not the bustling centre it was, which is a real shame.
“I understand the new shops would be a massive change which is scary for people, but I strongly believe Macclesfield desperately needs the change if we’re going to be able to compete.
“I’m a big fan of the independent shops and cafes, but surely we need people to actually come into our town to support them.
“I think Silk Street would mean local people will want to come into town and shop there again.
“I’d rather have the choice of shops and spend my money in Macclesfield than have to traipse elsewhere. When I was young I used to go into town to shop with friends or watch a matinee, but that’s not going to be an option for Gwen, unless the plans go ahead.
“It’s really important we go ahead with the plans while we can. It sounds bleak but the reality is that a derelict town centre won’t attract shoppers. We have a real chance now to turn the tide and breathe new life into our town.”
AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT
MUM-OF-TWO Brita Hirsch has lived in the town with her husband and two teenage children since 2005.
She said: “I am originally from Hamburg in Germany. When I visited Britain for the first time on a school exchange I was enthralled by a creative energy about the place that seemed to be different from everywhere I knew.
“Small shops everywhere offered the most amazing things and every one was different.
“When I moved to Macclesfield in 2005, most shops in town were still occupied but soon some of them closed down.
“Things were getting worse when the global financial crisis hit, but initiatives like Treacle Market and Barnaby festival soon helped to brighten things up.
“Everybody in Macclesfield knows how, on a Treacle Sunday, the town transforms and becomes a place for the people again. More and more small shops and bars are opening, emboldened by this new spirit.
“When I saw the plans for the Wilson Bowden development I was shocked to see the scale and complete lack of character of it.
“But more significantly, it seems to be centred around retail at a time when there is almost daily news about faltering chain stores.
“This is not to say that I wouldn’t welcome national retailers in town – I just think that we have enough buildings that can be utilised for that purpose.
“I wish for my teenage children to grow up in an environment that is inspiring, that instills creativity and entrepreneurism – adverse conditions and need are often the best breeding ground for something new.
“My 17-year old has recently founded a company with friends, manufacturing skate wear using their own designs – they have established business relationships with local shops and can see their venture grow.
“This is the culture medium young people need to grow into the business leaders of tomorrow.
“I find it extremely patronising to assume that all young people want is shop and have to have a multiplex cinema to be fulfilled – they are capable of much, much more and we should have the courage to let them find their own way.”
FORMAL consultation for plan ends on February 22. An officer will be available at the Town Hall to answer queries from 12.30-1.30pm daily during this period, by appointment only. To book call 0300 123 5014. Plans can viewed at http://maccregen.cheshireeast.gov.uk . E-mail views to planning@cheshireeast.gov.uk or write to: Development Management, Macclesfield Town Hall, SK10 1DP.
