MP welcomes redevelopment of Macclesfield’s hidden gem

It is very impressive that different organisations are working together to bring such benefits to Macclesfield

Macclesfield’s MP David Rutley has welcomed the transformation of one of the town’s historic buildings into much-needed affordable homes.

The Conservative MP will officially open the Clock Tower, a Grade II listed section of the former Macclesfield hospital, which has been restored and converted into 36 apartments for rent, on October 14.

The development is part of work by Neighbourhood investor Plus Dane Group to provide low-cost homes for local people in housing need. The first tenants are expected to move in within weeks.

Mr Rutley said: “I am delighted that Plus Dane Group and their funding partners the Homes and Communities Agency decided to save this wonderful old building and that it has been brought back to life as much-needed apartments for local people.

“The Clock Tower is an important development and positive proof of the hard work that is going on to strengthen Macclesfield’s economy and revitalise the town.

“It is very impressive that different organisations are working together to bring such benefits to Macclesfield and I am delighted to be able to support that work.”

Alan Miller, head of business development at Plus Dane, a housing association responsible for more than 12,500 homes in Cheshire and Merseyside, said the Clock Tower was one of Macclesfield’s “hidden gems”.

“For many years there was restricted access to this lovely old building, so now local people can see it for the hidden gem that it is,” Mr Miller said.

“Plus Dane’s core promises include commitments to creating great places to live, investing in local jobs and increasing the supply and choice of homes to suit a broad spectrum of lifestyles, so we feel as if we have achieved a lot with this development.”

The Clock Tower project, a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, is part of a £30m development in the area which has brought more than 200 jobs to the town.

The Homes and Communities Agency provided more than £2.40m funding to enable the project to go ahead.

The Tower forms part of a 6.5 acre redevelopment of redundant former health trust land by Keyworker Homes and Cheshire East Council which will see a mixture of retail, office and crèche space.