Poynton is often described as “a small town with a village feel”. The Town nestles in the foothills of the Peak District, the UK’s first national park. Situated only 11 miles south of Manchester it is fortunate to be surrounded by countryside but only a 20-minute train commute to this bustling city.
Poynton Park offers residents 21 hectares of ‘Capability Brown-styled’ parkland with ancient trees, a spectacular pool. Middlewood Way is a ‘greenway’ along the route of a disused railway line, and now a popular route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Macclesfield Canal and can be accessed from Nelson Pit and footpaths from Higher Poynton link directly to Lyme Park.
In March 2020, a Cheshire wide survey named Poynton as the best Town in Cheshire for community wellbeing when looking at indicators such as jobs, health, public spaces, schools, public transport, and culture.
New local road infrastructure means that Manchester Airport is a 10-minute car journey, with the Poynton Relief Road currently being constructed, this will take more traffic away from the town.
The award winning shared space scheme contributes to a thriving town centre with a design where vehicles and pedestrians have equal rights. This innovative scheme contributes to a vibrant and social street-scene with wide pavements, slow vehicles and easy crossings making it easy to browse the town’s good mix of independent shops, nestled between high street chains and major supermarkets. It has a wide selection of local eateries, bars and live music venues which adds to the “café culture” feeling in the Town.
Poynton is served by five primary schools, a high school and there two medical practices which are part of the Middlewood Partnership.
Community organisations in Poynton organise a number of well attended events including the Poynton Show, Party in the Park, Bonfire and Firework event, Summerfest and Christmas Fest.
Historically, Poynton once had the largest coalfield in Cheshire with 74 pits. Although coal mining ceased in 1935 many of the Town’s features can be attributed to Poynton’s history as a mining village. The canal and two railway lines were used to transport coal as was the now wooded walks “The Inclines” which was once a rope worked colliery railway.
The Civic Hall is a community hub co-located with Cheshire East Council’s library. It is centrally located, providing information, venue for concerts and social activities, a meeting place for community groups and health and well-being services.