More details and images have been revealed for a £13m retail park on the former Barracks Mill site.
The proposals for the six-acre site off Black Lane include four ‘bulky goods’ units with mezzanine levels ranging from 585 sqm to 3,252 sqm.
Also proposed is a fast food outlet such as KFC and coffee ‘pod’ potentially run by Costa coffee.
Access to the site will be from a new junction off the Silk Road and there will be a 300-space car park.
Developer, Cedar Invest and Castlemore Securities Private Directors Pension Scheme Ltd, predicts around 400 vehicles visiting the site per day, 500 on Saturdays, with only one HGV delivering to each retail unit each day.
Last week, more than 40 people had their first look at a public exhibition at Hurdsfield Library.
Many questioned the development’s impact on town centre regeneration.
John Whateley, from Cedar Invest, said bulky goods stores would complement shops in the town centre, adding: “We were pleased that over 40 people took the time to attend the exhibition and find out more about our plans for Barracks Mill.
“The majority of people were keen to see the site regenerated as it represents an eyesore for the local area that is also unsafe.
“We looked at various options for developing the site, but due to the contamination on the site a number of these, such as housing, weren’t viable.
“We consider that the retail scheme proposed will inject new life into the area, bringing investment and jobs.
“We have undertaken a retail impact assessment which shows that the scheme would complement Macclesfield’s regeneration by providing a bulky goods offer not typically found in town centres.
“Our scheme also includes a pedestrian route to the town centre to encourage linked trips.
“All traffic will enter and exit the site using a new access route from the Silk Road, with HGVs using a dedicated service access on Black Lane.
“We are undertaking a transport assessment which will provide a clearer picture of traffic flows and any mitigation measures that we need to put in place.”
Barracks Mill has been a derelict eyesore since 2004 when fire ripped through the buildings.
The public consultation ends on December 3, with plans due to be submitted to Cheshire East Council before the end of the year.
Anyone who wants to have a say should call 0800 170 1418 or email info@barracksmill.co.uk.
