Cheshire East Council have submitted three bids to parliament for levelling up funds, with one of them being Macclesfield.

Despite missing out on the first round of levelling up funding, Macclesfield could benefit from millions from Westminster later this year, along with two bids for Crewe.

The third LUF bid submitted by Cheshire East Council is for improvements to public space in Macclesfield town centre, taking in Chestergate, Market Place, Exchange Street and Mill Street.

Cheshire East Council claim the project 'would transform the look of the area and focus on the pedestrian, rather than the vehicle'.

We'll know within months if Macclesfield's bid is successful. (Image - Alexander Greensmith)

It would see pavements widened to create more scope for existing and new cafes, bars and restaurants to have al fresco seating areas, encourage more people to cycle into the town centre, and include adding more greenery and improving street furniture.

The bid is supported by MP David Rutley, Macclesfield Town Council, Grosvenor Centre owners Eskmuir and Make It Macclesfield.

Cllr Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, said: "The plans have the potential to make a real difference to a core area of the town centre and aim to build on the transformational works completed in Castle Street last year.

"The scheme incorporates the area at the back of the current Marks and Spencer store, to make the unit more desirable for new occupiers."

Macclesfield West and Ivy Labour representative Nick Mannion.

In bidding to the Levelling Up Fund, local authorities are categorised in terms of 'priority areas'.

Cllr Mannion, added: "We are confident that we have put forward three compelling bids, which present the strongest options in meeting the full criteria of the Levelling Up Fund.

"However, we recognise that the government also prioritises authorities based on need, and that Cheshire East has unfortunately been classified as a 'priority three' authority – the lowest need classification for this Levelling Up funding."

A decision on the bids is expected in the autumn. Macclesfield will have their fingers and toes crossed.

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