A TEAM of experts has been appointed to advise on potential options for the transformation of Macclesfield's markets as part of the regeneration of the town centre.
And people living in the town have been consulted to get their thoughts on how the markets could be developed and used in the future.
The strategic framework that sets out its vision for the town centre has identified that investing in the indoor market would improve its retail core.
It also recognises that supporting the revitalisation of both the indoor and existing regular outdoor markets - excluding the monthly Treacle Market - would attract a wider range of shoppers.
Cheshire East Council has brought in Workman LLP, which describes itself as the largest independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm in the UK, to advise on potential options.
The local authority also undertook an online survey of people from the town to get their views on the town's markets and their "aspirations for how they could be developed and used in the future". That consultation exercise ended on January 4.
The plan to transform Macclesfield's markets is one of several pipeline projects being progressed - the delivery of which are dependent on capital funding being secured.
They also include a study to test opportunities to unlock sites for development, which could then lead to projects to improve the appearance of key areas, and boost employment and town centre living.
The council is also analysing the responses to a public consultation on draft concept designs for public realm enhancements in Chestergate and Market Place.
The town centre strategic regeneration framework sets out its vision for Macclesfield as a place which celebrates its "quirkiness" and provides the development sector with the confidence and certainty needed to bring forward investment, jobs and economic growth.
Nick Mannion, who chairs Cheshire East's economy and growth committee, said: "Macclesfield's markets are already an important part of the town centre offer, but we believe they have an even bigger potential, and we want to see what the future could look like.
"We are of course engaging with current market traders and other stakeholders to hear what they have to say, but we are also very interested to hear how residents and visitors to the town see the markets developing."