Business leaders have unveiled plans which they say will secure a prosperous future for Macclesfield.

The Make it Macclesfield Forum has been working with the council on the Town Centre Plan, a vision for how the town will look in the future.

Clare Hayward, pictured, chairman of the group formerly known as the Economic Forum, says the document is more than just an idea.

She said it will work as the town plan to inform planning decisions.

The forum’s town centre sub group started work last year and has consulted with traders, the business community and young people.

They have drawn up a five-year regeneration timeline and Mrs Hayward says work has already started with refurbishment at the Visitor Information Centre and Town Hall.

It covers shopping, with Wifi hotpsots around town, arts and culture spaces, better sports and leisure, improved pedestrian links, better signs to attractions and a revival of Macclesfield’s heritage buildings.

Mrs Hayward said: “It’s about making Macclesfield a warmly-regarded destination and making the most of our silk heritage.

“We’ve got a huge number of assets to feel proud of.

“There are important things for us to focus on to make sure Macclesfield is prosperous and everyone can live in an environment they enjoy.

“We have a regeneration timeline of five years and are committed to make it happen.

“We want Macclesfield to be economically affluent and a cultural hub, to build people’s pride in the town.

“The plan is based in heritage but ready for the next generation.”

First up for a revamp is the town hall, to be refurbished with bars, entertainment spaces and community areas, and a programme of events open to everyone. Market Place and Chestergate will be a hub for independent shops, al fresco living and a market.

There has been criticism that the public have not been involved in the plans and Mrs Hayward admitted they need to consult more.

She said: “The forum includes a cross section of people from different groups around the town but we do want to hear from the public.

“But if people don’t like the plans then we would welcome suggestions, we want positive contributions.

“This has to be right for Macclesfield and we will listen to what people have to say.”

Visit www.makeitmacclesfield.co.uk to get involved.

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Timeline: how plan will roll out

> In two to three years... the silk quarter will be developed, by using existing buildings and developing long term plans for buildings such as Heritage Centre to be focused on community use.
The Silk Museum, Paradise Mill and registry office will link into Cocoon as the Silk heritage, arts culture and education focus, Dukes Court and Christ Church as key arts and culture destinations.
A cafe society will be developed along Sunderland Street, the ‘northern quarter’ of Macclesfield, with performing arts college and student accommodation.

> In three to four years... the retail heart of Mill Street will be expanded towards Churchill Way to keep young people in town, with a cinema, department store, better parking and big brand shops.

> In four to five years... there are plans for sports and leisure at the South Macclesfield Development Area, the 60-acre site between Congleton Road and London Road. There are also plans for a new football stadium, cycling, nature reserve, conference facilities, supermarket and housing.

> In five years... arts will be boosted with new venues such as Cocoon, which will be a theatre and media centre with places to eat, a luxury hotel and space for trade exhibitions and conferences. There will be a programme of festivals, such as Barnaby, Winterfest and international festivals to celebrate links with China and other countries on the Silk Road.

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Eyesore buildings on hitlist

A hitlist of rundown and ugly areas of town has also been put together as part of the plans.

The forum and council have taken photos of locations to be targeted during the improvements.

The forum does not have responsibility for all the buildings but is working with landlords. Clare Hayward said:  “We’ve got a huge amount of heritage to be proud of.

“However, we’ve got some really quite ugly areas in Macclesfield which need a huge amount of work.

“There has been obvious visible neglect in places and we have taken pictures of where we let ourselves down, there is massive room for improvement.”