Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for officers to negotiate an agreement which could see work start next year to replace the Beechmere retirement complex in Crewe destroyed by fire.

The 132-apartment complex on Rolls Avenue, was destroyed in a blaze in August 2019.

Around 150 elderly and disabled residents were safely evacuated by firefighters and neighbours.

The 132-apartment Beechmere complex on Rolls Avenue, was destroyed in a blaze in August 2019 (Ryan Parker).

On Monday 10 March, Cheshire East's finance sub-committee authorised top officers, in consultation with relevant committee chairs, to negotiate and enter into a settlement agreement with the PFI provider for the extra care housing contract.

Beechmere was the largest of five extra care housing schemes commissioned by Cheshire County Council through a PFI (private finance initiative) arrangement in 2007.

Other extra care schemes included in the original PFI contract are Willowmere in Middlewich and Oakmere in Handforth, which are both in Cheshire East, and Hollymere in Ellesmere Port and Hazelmere in Winsford, which are within the Cheshire West and Chester area.

Cheshire East Council manages the PFI contract on behalf of both local authorities.

Head of communities Dan Coyne told the committee: "The report touches on the complexity of the inter-linked contracts with the PFI agreement and explains how the fire at the Beechmere site not only had a significant impact on the site and those residing within it, but also the viability of the four remaining extra care sites that sit within the contract."

All discussions relating to the matter were held behind closed doors as the committee excluded the public and press from this part of the meeting.

Beechmere was the largest of five extra care housing schemes commissioned by Cheshire County Council through a PFI (private finance initiative) arrangement in 2007 (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service).

But the report does state: "The current preferred option is to renegotiate the PFI contract to include the building of a smaller scheme."

It also provided an estimated timeline which includes planning permission for the new building being obtained in the summer of this year, although the report says this may take three to six months.

The aim is also for legal and other agreements to be completed by March 2026, enabling construction to start in the spring or summer with the hope the new building will open late 2027 or early 2028.

READ MORE: Police and charities team up to offer free self-defence lessons in Crewe.

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