Cheshire East Council has given an update on its Royal Arcade scheme for Crewe – with further works set to begin before the end of the month.

Since January, Cheshire East Council has been working closely with its development partner Peveril Securities Ltd and contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, to ensure work on the town centre scheme's new bus station and multi-storey car park can gather pace.

The council told Nub News that it is pleased a number of tasks are underway, with contractors due on site before the end of April.

It is expected that the new bus station and multi-storey car park will be completed by the end of 2023.

An artist's impression of the interior of the new bus station for Crewe (Cheshire East).

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, said: "We understand and appreciate that Crewe's communities want to see visible progress on the Royal Arcade site and the council shares that wish wholeheartedly.

"The challenges currently facing the construction sector are significant and widespread, and the council is not immune to those factors.

"But despite those challenges, council officers have been working tirelessly to ensure that the Royal Arcade scheme continues to move forward, and I am pleased to say that people will continue to see a visible presence on site.

"I am also excited to announce that we will shortly be launching a public vote on the design options for the scheme's new feature heritage wall, which will draw on both Crewe's past and its promising future.

"The chosen design will adorn one of the walls above the new bus station."

Recent progress on the Royal Arcade scheme has included advanced works for the removal of some trees around the site.

This week, local residents have offered their opinions on social media regarding the scheme.

Eduardo J Conde from Crewe said: "Doing the work the wrong way around."

He added: "Surely it's better to start with the project which will bring people to town and then once that proves the concept you increase the parking facilities."

Mike Coombs from the Crewe area, also said: "How about you actually do it."

The derelict bus sheds are planned to be demolished this year. (Ryan Parker)

In preparation for the demolition of the bus sheds, archaeological excavations will be taking place over the next few weeks to investigate and record some of the historic uses of the bus station site over past centuries.

This is a condition and requirement of the planning consent.

Once further works get underway on site, hoarding will be put up around the former bus workshops on Delamere Street.

Works are also taking place to prepare for the diversion of services such as gas, electricity and drainage.

This will allow the footprint of the new bus station and multi-storey car park to be clear for construction.

The council's contractor has also submitted applications to temporarily close some roads and footpaths as needed.

Crewe town centre demolition in November 2020 (Nicki Dee).

'Stopping-up orders' for the roads servicing the current bus station – Charles Street and Tower Way – are also being planned, which the Department for Transport will consult upon shortly.

These orders allow for a road to be taken out of use permanently.

Working closely with operators, the council told Nub News it was committed to keeping an operational bus station on the site throughout all phases of demolition and construction of the new bus station and multi-storey car park.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.