Chestergate On The Rise

Regenerating Macclesfield town centre continues to be a key priority for local MP, David Rutley.

While recently meeting with independent traders on Chestergate, David saw first-hand the positive work they have been doing to help boost the local economy.

David had the opportunity to meet with Laura Mayall, owner of BOHOTEL. In Summer 2021, BOHOTEL opened its doors as Macclefield’s first boutique hotel, located close to the Picturedrome. The hotel offers seven unique rooms, which have been in high demand since they opened, with a variety of clients, visiting the Peak District or visiting family and friends. Suburban Green is located inside BOHOTEL, co-owned by Martin Lowe and Cal Gregg-Williams, which offers high end casual dining to both hotel guests and the public. Both Laura, Martin and Cal have worked together to support each other’s businesses, while also helping to raise the profile of west side of Chestergate.

At the meeting, David was also joined by Richard Slater, owner of Henbury Travel, which has recently relocated further down Chestergate onto the pedestrianised section. Since the move, the popular business has seen an increase in customers booking holidays to a number of exciting locations such as Canada and South Africa. The work Richard and his team have been doing has been recognised and Henbury Travel has been named as Best Northwest & North Wales Small Travel Agent of the year.

In 2019, a survey found that Chestergate is a priority location within the Town Centre. Since then, ten businesses have either relocated to Chestergate or started there and with 107 available premises, 100 of these are now occupied by thriving independent businesses, including Henbury Travel, Suburban Green and BOHOTEL.

David is pressing Cheshire East Council to take more urgent action for the town centre, with the M&S store on Mill Street closed and the new retail development on the Barracks Mill site having opened. David had also worked with Cheshire East Council to submit a Levelling Up Fund bid to improve the public realm in Market Place and Chestergate. Unfortunately, this bid was not successful, and it is now more important than ever that more innovative plans are discussed, particularly following Cheshire East Council’s decision to withdraw an addendum setting out its ambition to invest £5m in the town centre.

Speaking after the visit, David said, “It is great to see independent businesses thriving and helping boost Chestergate and our local town centre. It is clear there is potential for mixed-use development, blending retail, leisure, commercial and residential uses in Macclesfield’s unique town centre. I will continue to work with local businesses and voluntary organisations to help improve our town centre.”

Pictured - David Rutley MP at Chestergate.