Consultation experts invited to apply for Cheadle project

Published on 10 March 2021

Consultants to carry out public consultation on plans to regenerate Cheadle Town Centre are now being sought by the District Council and the Stakeholder Panel for the project.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is committed to transforming Cheadle by restoring vibrancy to the high street and providing new homes and community health, leisure and wellbeing facilities that meet the needs of current and future residents and visitors.

Last October, the Cabinet approved the established of a Town Centre Delivery Board, supported by a Stakeholder Panel, to guide this significant project and oversee the programme of public consultation and a public survey seeking views on all the regeneration issues and opportunities for the town centre.

And, at a recent meeting of the Panel, members agreed to go out to tender for consultants to carry out the planned public consultation.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the District Council, said: "We know our commitment to investing in Cheadle and creating a town centre fit for the future is an aim that is shared by very many individuals and organisations so we want to make sure that the projects we take forward are the right ones.

"That's why we've said all along that we would be involving the local community in those discussions via full public consultation and a public survey and I'm pleased that the process to appoint independent experts to do this work is now underway.

"We will, of course, be sharing full details of how people can take part in this consultation in due course - the first step is to bring in the people who will carry it out - so watch this space."

The closing date for bids is noon on Wednesday 24 March and interested companies can find out more about this opportunity at: www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/1080/Current-tender-opportunities

The Panel has also announced the appointment of The Consultation Institute to facilitate a stakeholder workshop to look at alternative options for the town centre and not just those identified in the Cushman and Wakefield report.

The workshop, for members of the Stakeholder Panel, will take place on Wednesday 17 March.

Councillor Ian Plant, Chair of the Stakeholder Panel, said: "We're pleased to have the workshop date now agreed and I'm looking forward to hearing the views of Panel members on their thoughts about the sites in public ownership which were outlined in the Cushman and Wakefield report.

"This workshop is just one of the ways we'll be seeking ideas and comments and it's important to reiterate that no decisions have been made about the projects to be taken forward.

"The Council has been clear that it wants to hear from local people as part of that process and I'm pleased that we've moved quickly to get the ball rolling on seeking the consultants who will undertake the public consultation so we can widen the conversation to include all those interested in the future development of the town."

Find out more about the project at www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/6500/Transforming-Cheadle-Town-Centre