The revitalisation of South Park Pavilion will not be going ahead in its current form.

After reviewing five tender submissions for the scheme, Macclesfield Town Council has confirmed that it is not 'financially deliverable' within their approved budget.

All of the bids were significantly above the available funding, with construction costs alone ranging from over £2.15 million to £2.46 million, before factoring in additional costs such as professional fees, fit-out and contingency allowances.

As a result, on May 18 the council approved that the current pavilion scheme does not proceed and that the approved Public Works Loan is not drawn down.

Despite this, the council say they are committed to improving facilities at South Park and will be exploring an alternative 'Park Hub' concept.

This would provide essential facilities such as accessible public toilets, event infrastructure, storage and a flexible covered community space capable of supporting markets, events and everyday park use, but in a simpler and more affordable form.

The Mayor of Macclesfield, councillor James Barber-Chadwick, said: "It was clear from the public consultation, and from speaking to residents on the door step as myself and colleagues have regularly done, that there is a real will from the public to revitalise South Park Pavilion into a community asset that we can all be proud of.

"But I have been clear since being elected to the town council in 2023 that we cannot proceed with any project that exposes the residents and taxpayers of Macclesfield to significant risk and unreasonable costs.

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"At a time of rising costs across the country for major capital projects, it would be irresponsible for us to proceed further with the original proposal approved by the town council.

"We are all deeply disappointed that it reached this point - largely due to factors outside of our control, but I hope we can deliver on our commitments to build something that residents can be proud of."

The council will now explore a 'Park Hub' concept in lieu of the new pavilion (Credit: MTC)

Councillor Barber-Chadwick explained that Macclesfield Town Council does not own the current pavilion.

He says the town council waited years for Cheshire East Council to transfer the asset but, due to delays on the borough council's side, this was never done.

As such, responsibility for the Pavilion and the land remains solely with Cheshire East Council.

Furthermore, councillor Barber-Chadwick has stated that the approved Public Works Loan has not been drawn down and the council do not intend to take this money.

Finally, he explained that the council are looking at a 'significantly different' approach that will enable South Park Pavilion to be regenerated at 'significantly less cost to the taxpayer'.

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