Plans have been unveiled for a world-class theatre which could transform the centre of Macclesfield.

Named The Cocoon after its striking design, it takes the shape of a silk cocoon to reflect Macclesfield’s silk heritage.

Attached to the 700-seat theatre would be a 150-strong performing arts college, rehearsal rooms for use by the community as well as a bar, shops, and restaurants, with the possibility of a hotel and residential space.

It could host rock concerts to stand-up comedy and fashion shows, to opera and ballet, bringing in a potential 10,000 people a week.

The team behind the project say it would boost the town’s economy, create jobs and   make Macclesfield a top cultural destination.

The exact location has not yet been decided, with bosses looking at several potential sites and organising feasibility studies.

The idea for The Cocoon was born when conductor Nick Smith, of the Northern Chamber Orchestra, spoke of the need for a theatre in Macclesfield at one of the Economic Forum’s
Business Breakfasts last year.

He was approached by Macclesfield architect David Wilcock, who worked on the Lyric Theatre at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, and the pair began working on a design.

Mr Smith, 63, said: “The reason behind this is purely economic. But it’s such an exciting opportunity.

“The idea is to use a performance space to draw people into Macclesfield.

“It is a such a stunning building, to have that in the town centre will create a lot of national and international attention.

“It is uniquely Macclesfield which I think is incredibly important.”

The group has set an ambitious budget of about £30m for the project and will be exploring all options, including Lottery funding as well as private capital.

Architect David Wilcock said: “I wanted to come up with an idea that had real meaning for the people of Macclesfield and the silk cocoon just fits.

“The end result is very powerful.”



For more information visit cocoontheatre.com.