
A trio of consultancy firms have been tasked to deliver proposals for regeneration of nine towns across Cheshire East, Place North West have reported.
Over the next 18 months, Cheshire East Council aims to design strategies to develop the borough’s ‘key service towns’ including Wilmslow, Handforth and Poynton.
Consultancy firms, Cushman & Wakefield, Mott Macdonald and Optimised Environments, will conduct research into each of the towns being investigated, to prepare Town Centre Vitality Plans on behalf of Cheshire East Council. Research currently being undertaken includes site visits, market analysis and engagement with key stakeholders in each community.
Following the publication of draft plans next year, Cheshire East Council will conduct public consultations on any proposed interventions and regeneration projects.
Caroline Baker, Head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Northern Region, will lead the consultancy team. She commented to Place North West:
Town centres across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges – significant structural changes have been further impacted by Covid-19. The Government has acknowledged the need for intervention through the Future High Streets Fund, Town Deals, but not all towns have access to these funds.
“We are delighted to be working with Cheshire East, to build on the work already being undertaken by the town councils and their partners and determine action plans to support the nine centres, so that they can respond to local opportunities and enhance their roles at the heart of their communities.”
Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for environment and regeneration, added:
The council recognises the value of thriving town centres that meet the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. Our local centres enable people to carry out day-to-day activities close to their homes, reducing reliance on cars and therefore bringing associated environmental benefits.”
Cushman & Wakefield were previously involved in delivering proposals for Macclesfield’s regeneration plans, the progress of which Cllr Mannion discussed with Marketing WAM members during a November online networking event.
The nine towns across Cheshire East being considered for Town Centre Vitality Plans are Alsager, Congleton, Handforth, Knutsford, Middlewich, Nantwich, Poynton, Sandbach and Wilmslow.