Have your say on draft plans to transform one of Cheshire East’s neighbourhood open spaces

16 February 2021

Cheshire East Council is urging residents to have their say on a vision to transform one of the borough’s neighbourhood open spaces – with ‘community’ at the very heart of the plans.

The council’s draft masterplan for Banbury Close open space, in Hurdsfield, Macclesfield, sets out proposals to transform the site into an area used and cared for by all ages.

The vision includes a community growing area and orchard, an improved play area and bike track, picnic areas, insect hotels, bulb planting and new fruit trees, as well as bird, bat and hedgehog nesting boxes.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “This draft masterplan is just the starting point for our plans for the park and our aim is to help the site reach its potential by providing a range of new features.

“We want it to be an area where people can not only spend time and enjoy the facilities on offer but can have a real impact on its development by getting actively involved in community gardening.

“We have put forward a number of ideas but our vision for Banbury Park is one that puts residents at the centre of its transformation, and we welcome any suggestions or ideas as to how they see their park being developed.

“Working with the community and other partners, we hope to be able to turn as many ideas as possible into reality.”

Macclesfield Town Council is supporting Cheshire East Council in its plans to transform the park and has kindly provided funding toward the project.

Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake, Mayor of Macclesfield, said: “I am delighted to introduce the planned improvements to Banbury Park. The plans seem to include something for everyone – including mother nature! 

“However, it's your park, your community space. Please make the most of it by contributing to the consultation and having your say.”

The consultation closes on March 16 and residents can have their say via email. 

The draft masterplan can be viewed online. It is also on display at the park and on the notice board at Holy Trinity Church and in the window at Hurdsfield Library.  

Cllr Crane added: “It is more important than ever that we take care of our mental and physical wellbeing and we hope that by making improvements to Banbury Park that it will inspire more people to get outdoors.  

“Improving our green spaces, including planting trees, also enables us to enhance and protect the natural environment of our borough, contributing to the priorities of our environment strategy.”