Once the centre of shopping, socialising and cinema trips, Mill Street's role in Maxonian life has changed over the decades.

Walking down Macclesfield's main thoroughfare today, it is undeniable that things have moved on, with several big-name brands having departed in recent years.

You will often hear people speak of how the wide pavement that once bustled with shoppers is now too often quiet.

A sign installed as part of the Museum on the Street trail reminds locals that Sunday nights after the Second World War used to be 'date night' on Mill Street, a time to dress up and see who might be out.

Leanne Barber, a Macclesfield local, said: "Mill Street played a huge part in how my grandparents Eileen and Trevor got together.

"They had their first date at the Majestic, where they would then go regularly, and they were inseparable from then."

The Majestic Cinema closed in the 90s. Here it is pictured in 1936 (Credit: Cheshire Archives & Local Studies)

The Majestic's domed tower still stands at the bottom of the street, even though the cinema closed its doors in the 1990s.

In the 1970s and 80s, the street was still thriving, packed with shops, markets, kids skipping school, and families stocking up for the week ahead.

Dawn Lancaster who worked at Dales Oatcakes, remembers her time on Mill Street.

"The town centre was rammed most of the time, I can remember twagging school in the Silver Coin amusements," she said.

"Macclesfield has changed everywhere. It's sad, but I've still got my memories."

Ros Siddons remembered her first job at SW Morley's in 1987.

She said: "As you walk up Mill Street from the bottom, Morley's was on the right, just up from where the mural of Ian Curtis is now.

"The jeweller's shop belonged to Enid Morley, it was her father-in-law's shop originally.

"Mrs Morley gave me a recipe for a very tipsy Victorian trifle that had been handed down to her by her grandmother. I still use the recipe now and we have it every single Christmas day!"

The domed tower of the former Majestic Cinema on Mill Street (Credit: Nub News)

The past few decades have taken their toll on Mill Street.

The Majestic closed in 1998, Woolworths followed in 2008, and in 2022 came perhaps the biggest blow of all, the closure of Marks & Spencer.

The family-run John Douglas Premium Menswear on neighbouring Chestergate has been part of Macclesfield since 1964, and owner David Johnson has watched Mill Street evolve over the decades.

He said: "In the late '70s, early '80s it used to be buzzing, absolutely booming as a town.

"Macclesfield will never be about retail again, everything's online."

His comments reflect the reality many town centre businesses face, as rising costs and online shopping continue to shape footfall.

"It's frustrating to see empty shops," he added. "But it's hard to make rents and rate."

Familiar but different - Mill Street in the 1940s (Credit: Cheshire Archives & Local Studies)

Still, there is reason to be optimistic.

In recent years we have seen the arrival of two of the UK's fastest growing brands in Panadero Lounge and Coffee #1.

Several independent businesses have also established themselves on Mill Street, including Scents & Sassology, White Blossom Interiors, Olive Open Kitchen, Salvatore's and Mia's Treacle Bites.

As plans develop and the town centre evolves, Mill Street remains a focal point in Macclesfield's past, present and a hopeful future. 

Images courtesy of Cheshire Archives & Local Studies