Project board would focus on Middlewich regeneration

So says councillor Bernice Walmsley, Cheshire East ward member for Middlewich, who was commenting on plans to set up a Board to focus on the Midpoint 18 business site, including the proposed Middlewich Bypass.

“The proposal from Cheshire East Council is to formalise a series of meetings that have been held over the last 18 months or so by forming a Project Board,” said Cllr Walmsley.

“The meetings to date have included the three ward members for Middlewich, Fiona Bruce MP, Cllr Michael Jones, when he was leader of the council, the town clerk, Jonathan Williams, and several senior officers of Cheshire East Council.

“Initially I attended as chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, and now I attend as a ward member.

“This Board would continue the discussions regarding the regeneration of Middlewich, and subjects include the bypass, the route of which is due to be announced soon, and the reopening of Middlewich Railway Station.

“The bypass is long-awaited and previously the development of Midpoint 18, which would be served by the bypass, was in private hands.

“However, there was a lack of progress in this extremely difficult project for several reasons – the land was in several different private ownerships, and finances were difficult for such a large project – so last year Cheshire East Council took over responsibility for delivery of the bypass.

“This new Board, if approved, will conduct a masterplanning exercise to develop this area to deliver the best solution to many of Middlewich’s problems regarding regeneration.”

Cheshire East Council has been undertaking surveys in order to create a detailed design for the bypass, and a report of its findings is to be presented to the council’s Cabinet on February 9.

If the report is approval the council says it will be in a position to present its findings to residents and explain how it plans to deliver the bypass.

The report will also seek approval from the Cabinet to set up the Project Board.