Minutes 2nd October 2020 – MTCRG

Macclesfield Town Centre Recovery Group Minutes 2nd October

Macclesfield Town Centre Recovery Working Group

Minutes of the meeting to be held on 2nd October 2020 2pm to 4pm

Present:

Emma Anderson                                                     Macclesfield Museums

Matthew Baqueriza-Jackson (Co – Chair)              Make it Macclesfield

Cllr Liz Brathwaite                                                   Cheshire East Council

Cllr Janet Jackson MBE (Co-Chair)                         Macclesfield Town Council (Chair)

Cllr Nick Mannion                                                    Cheshire East Council

Cllr Fiona Wilson                                                      Macclesfield Town Council

Laura Smith                                                              Macclesfield Town Council

Jo Wise                                                                    Cheshire East Council

 

Apologies

Michael Jones                                                         Local Retailer (PR Jones Jewellers)

Justine Gore                                                            Peaks and Plains Housing Trust

 

1. Welcome from Co/Chairs

The Co-chairs welcomed the group and minutes of last meeting were agreed.

 

2.Initial Objectives

The group discussed the draft objectives presented by MBJ.

Additions were agreed around:

  • Public realm and environment e.g. promoting green spaces
  • Communication e.g. public health messages

MBJ will update

 3.  Update to the Baseline Information

  • Footfall data is now on MTC website in an accessible format
  • CEC footfall data was shared with the group, however, is not on CEC as they seek to make it accessible.
  • It was noted footfall in the town centre had been increasing until last week (week beginning Sep 21st, 2020) coinciding with a change in Govt guidelines and an increase in restrictions.

Update on vacant properties and what businesses are open in Macclesfield.

This is still in progress but near completion. Thank you to Cllr Edwardes for his invaluable contribution to this task.

Collation and analysis of work in public realm and keeping the town safe and clean.

Cllr Mannion updated that the collection of examples of work that has been done and is planned to keep the town clean and an attractive place to visit, continues. It also fed into the initial objectives discussion.

Update on progression of Surveys and any initial feedback.

  • Cllr Brathwaite has hand delivered around 200 surveys to local businesses.
  • CEC and MTC have the links to both surveys on their respective websites
  • Working Group members have circulated both residents survey and business survey far and wide, engaging many other organisations to gather evidence, and will continue to do promote.
  • Engagement in the survey has been positive.