Cheshire East Council has given an update on the regeneration programme for Crewe town centre – with more than 20 separate projects moving forward.

A report to Cheshire East's economy and growth committee, ahead of its next meeting on Tuesday (November 15), outlines key progress made on projects including the council's Royal Arcade scheme.

It also outlines those supported by funding of up to £37m from the government's Levelling Up programme via the Future High Streets Fund and Towns Fund.

There are more than 20 separate regeneration projects moving forward for Crewe town centre (Cheshire East Council).

Chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, said: "This is a pivotal time for Crewe town centre.

"It is faced with wider economic challenges, but it also has huge potential in terms of both recent growth of its population and economy, and as the first northern hub for HS2 services.

"A comprehensive programme of regeneration is already underway, and central to this is providing more reasons to get people into town more often.

"Towns are not just about retail – they are about a broader offer of leisure, retail, places to live and relaxing spaces.

"This work was started with the Lifestyle Centre and was followed by the Market Hall, and this report demonstrates that our strategy is continuing at a pace.

Chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, gave an update to Nub News (Cheshire East Council).

"Plans have been developed that will support the town centre to thrive and provide the opportunities and facilities that people have told us they want, as well as improve accessibility and connectivity."

The first phase of the council's Royal Arcade scheme – a new bus station and multi-storey car park – is moving ahead to the timetable confirmed in spring this year.

Work has started on the construction of temporary bus stands.

These are expected to be in use early in the new year (2023) and will remain in operation until the new bus station and car park open, which is expected to be at the end of 2023.

A temporary bus station is currently being constructed - allowing the demolition of the current bus station (Ryan Parker).

The multi-storey car park will provide the capacity needed to allow the council to free up existing car parks elsewhere - moving forward with five proposed regeneration schemes.

The council continues to work proactively with its development partner on the second phase of the Royal Arcade scheme and expects to share further details in the coming months.

Other key milestones in the regeneration programme include business case approval from government for a package of projects that are overseen by Crewe Town Board.

They are supported through Crewe's allocation of up to £22.9m from the Towns Fund.

Crewe's new bus interchange is expected to be completed by December 2023 (Cheshire East Council).

A separate package of projects is also making progress following Cheshire East's successful £14.1m bid to the government's Future High Streets Fund.

Projects include a proposed new pedestrian walkway and cycleway between High Street and the Lifestyle Centre – a planning application for which was recently submitted.

Main works on the 'Flag Lane link' scheme are due to begin in the new year - connecting Dunwoody Way to Delamere Street via Flag Lane.

Cllr Mannion added: "Despite the significant external pressures that we are facing - particularly regarding the cost of materials and contractors.

Main works on the 'Flag Lane link' scheme are due to begin in the new year (Cheshire East Council).

"This has risen significantly over the past 18 months, much is still being achieved for Crewe and we continue to work closely with our partners.

"Crewe's bid to become the home of the Great British Railways headquarters is a great example of this joint work, and we absolutely hope to see the legislation to create GBR moving forward as soon as possible."

The report to committee also seeks approval to submit a proposal to government to withdraw the Lyceum Powerhouse project from the Towns Fund programme.

It requests the funding is reallocated across the remaining nine projects.

The temporary bus station will be finished and in use early in the new year (Jan Wright).

This follows an independent review carried out by Crewe Town Board with the support of external experts - considering the risks facing Towns Fund projects.

READ MORE: UP CLOSE: The Station Pilot - a modern 'family-oriented' pub in Crewe.

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