What Macclesfield Nub News readers want to see done with old RBS bank
Macclesfield Nub News readers have shared their ideas for an old bank.
Property developer Joe Bailey recently purchased the former RBS on Chestergate.
He asked Macclesfield residents what they would like to see done with it, and they didn't disappoint.
Here are just a few of the suggestions you came up with.
Honourable mentions
Before we get into some of the most popular suggestions, let's just quickly roundup some of the other ideas you came up with.
Plenty of restaurants were mentioned, including Wagamama, Nando's, Wing Stop and an ice cream parlour.
On the retail side of things, people called for TJ Hughes, Lego, and Primark.
There were also some leisure facilities suggested, such as a bungee dance studio, an ice bar, and a bank-themed escape room.
Banking Hub
By far and away the most popular suggestion for the old bank was… a bank.
Several of you put forth the idea of a 'banking hub', where each of the major banks is represented.
Karen Crosland commented: "What about a general bank space where each of the banks have a designated day to be in town?"
Stephanie Wild said: "A banking hub most definitely, where customers of all major banks and building societies can conduct regular banking. A bank for everyone."
Gill Tomlinson added: "Be good as a banking pod, having several small units with different banks. Would solve the banking issues around."
Youth Centre
Another popular suggestion was a community hub where younger people can meet up and socialise.
Ruth Eaton said: "Some kind of youth centre hub. It's big enough to accommodate plenty of activities.
Jean McKay added: "Looking at people's thoughts, I love the idea of something for the younger generation.
"Back in the day we had youth clubs and discos for young teens. Where is there for young teens to go now?
"Definitely some kind of community hub with youngsters in mind."
Faye Nightall commented: "A place for young people. Preferably phone and camera free."
Angela Turned added: "How about a youth centre? Give them a place that gives them joy and hope.
"There's nothing for the younger generation, nobody ever thinks of them.
"I would be happy to volunteer and teach some skills."
Mini Afflecks
Lots of people were in favour of turning it into Macclesfield's very own Afflecks, the iconic independent shopping emporium in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Victoria's Closet, a boutique on Bond Street, commented: "A mini department store with local businesses.
"If you come to see one you get to know about all the others – free advertising.
"How many local businesses rent, struggle and close after 12 months?"
Sophia Palucci wrote: "A mini Afflecks type of venue. Nice independent shops, vintage shops, music etc., a reason to bring the younger crowd as well as us oldies back into town."
Pryanka Tatta added: "A new business hub. There are plenty of creatives in the town - artists, coders, etc., you could have working retail studios.
"Rent spaces out and create footfall for that area as Chestergate seems the road that has the most independents on.
"Grass roots start up hub - much like Manchester Craft and Design Centre."
Live Music Venue
Last on our list, plenty of people wanted to see the bank transformed into a music venue.
Cindy Singleton said: "Maybe another gig/dance place as there's plenty of room in that building.
Dirk Vervaet wrote: "As a basketball coach in Macclesfield I would love to have a nice tapas/ blues/ jazz bar to unwind the hard working week."
Stoph Walker added: "Live music venue! Losing the Swan was a big loss to the town. We need somewhere that bands can play."
Anyone who would like to contact Joe privately can reach him at [email protected].
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