Macclesfield Nub News readers have shared their ideas for what could be done with the old M&S building.

M&S on Mill Street closed in late November 2022, as the British retail company relocated to the Barracks Mill retail park. Since then, the building has remained empty.

In his recent column, MP Tim Roca revealed that discussions have taken place with the owners to 'explore new possibilities for this large, unused space'.

We asked our readers what they think should be done with it and received plenty of suggestions.

Honourable mentions

There were calls for a large department store, like Woolworths, TJ Hughes and John Lewis.

Homeware shops Dunelm and The Range were also popular ideas, while others suggested chain restaurants Nando's and Wagamama.

William Barnett contributed: "HMV. With new releases on Mondays and Fridays, it would keep things more interesting."

Some commenters proposed that the space could be used for accommodation.

Jennie Gaywood wrote: "Why not redevelop some of the shops into lovely homes and apartments?"

Lots of Nub News readers want to see M&S return to the town centre (Credit: Nub News)

Clothes shops

Many people suggested the need for a Primark.

River Island, H&M and Next were also mentioned.

Referring to Next's location in Lyme Green retail park, Stephen Baker recommended: "Move Next back into the town. Or at least a shop that sells decent men's clothes."

M&S (again)

A large number of readers advocated for M&S to be reinstated in its previous building.

Poppy Jay said: "M&S food court and clothing would be great so people can access the M&S on foot!"

Val Pownall stated: "M&S Food (at least) would be more useful back in their old building."

Activity centre

On the leisure side of things, many suggested trampolining, indoor skate and bike parks, a bowling alley and arcade games could be installed in the space.

Jo Hudson wrote this leisure-orientated use of space would provide: "Something for families to do in the day and it's good for adults [to have] drinks of an evening to have fun too."

Ice rinks, crazy golf, go-karts and a new cinema have also been suggested.

One commenter proposed a holographic Joy Division experience (Credit: Nub News)

Community and heritage

Some readers called for the space to be transformed into a community centre.

Joanne Storer suggested: "A centre [that] contains a small cafe, kids' play area, sensory room, library, areas to sit and chat, nice new clean public toilets, post office, a proper community hub."

One commenter wrote: "This space could offer free co-working, workshops, and community events."

Andy Knight suggested: "Local heritage activities that could link up with the Silk Museum."

Kenny Davenport-Slater proposed 'a hologram tribute to Joy Division called 'TransmissionEsque' where you can watch the band play'.

Indoor Treacle Market

One of the most popular ideas for the space was food-orientated and artisan indoor markets.

Christina Klatsia suggested: "A healthy food market [...] Options that are organic, locally sourced, and free of artificial additives."

Jeff Teasdale wrote: "Could make a great venue for an all-weather Treacle Market, but more than once a month."

Several people suggested using it as an indoor space for the Treacle Market (Credit: Nub News)