Meeting with Kirkland Developments re: Foodstore on Chadwick Street Car Park

Six representatives from Marple Civic Society recently met with Kirkland Developments Ltd to discuss their proposals for a foodstore on Chadwick Street car park.  Kirkland was represented by Rod Hogarth (MD), Mark Thomas (Lexington Communications) and Ian Fitton (Fairhurst Consulting Engineers).

Civic Society Position

In principle, Marple Civic Society supports retail development within the District Centre.  This is reflected in the society's positive response to the Stockport MBC Core Strategy and Allocations DPD consultations as part of the Local Development Framework.
Chadwick Street car park is the last site within the Marple District Centre available for substantial development and therefore represents the last opportunity to take a holistic approach and to look at the wider picture of how Marple functions.  It is an opportunity to look at how Marple works as a town centre, how pedestrians and vehicles move about the town and the effect of Stockport Road on the town.  It is important that the proposed development facilitates access and links to the wider retail offer, encourages access to the town's civic amenities and facilities and facilitates opportunity for civic exchange.  These are the hallmarks of modern well functioning towns and living streets.  

Civic Society Concerns

Marple Civic Society expressed concerns about the likely substantial increase in traffic, car parking, impact on houses on Chadwick Street, Walmsley and Chapel Courts and the impact of delivery vehicles. 

Kirkland Response

For Kirkland, Mr Hogarth replied that the development proposed to take advantage of the sloping site to minimise the impact of the scheme by building into the slope so that car parking on the roof of the building would be on a level with Chadwick Street.  The main entrance would face onto Trinity Street and the Market Street shopping area.  The car park would be open 24 hours with 2 hours free parking during the foodstore's hours of business.  Mr Hogarth said that they are aware of the potential traffic problem and are in discussion with SMBC who have asked for a detailed traffic census and impact assessment, a copy of which he promised to let us have when completed.

Mr Hogarth made it clear that if the ASDA/CAMSFC  proposal on Hibbert Lane were to be approved the Kirkland proposal would not proceed.

Details of the proposal can be seen on the dedicated Kirkland website:

http://www.marpletowncentrestore.co.uk/index.html

Kirkland's press release following their public consultation can be seen here: