COUNCILLORS have been told an agreement with developers behind Crewe's Royal Arcade scheme should be struck swiftly.

The Crewe Labour politicians say they were disappointed to discover there is still no signed agreement in place for the work on the multi-million pound town centre regeneration project to begin during a meeting with Cheshire East Council officers last night.

Contracts were signed last year for demolition work to start this spring, but lockdown has left the empty shopping units in Victoria Street and Queensway behind hoardings waiting for the bulldozers to move in.

Concerns have been raised over the viability of the development in the aftermath of the pandemic with the economy moving into recession.

The Royal Arcade is planned to transform Crewe's rundown town centre and bus station and will include an eight-screen cinema, bowling alley, gym and high-end retail outlets. Peveril Securities was selected by Cheshire East as its development partner for the project.

After voicing their concerns over the delays the councillors say they have been reassured by Cheshire East officers the development agreement will be in place "in a matter of weeks".

But Cllr Jill Rhodes who represents Crewe North, said: "We have sadly heard this many times before, and it is now at the crunch point. If we do not see a firm commitment by the end of the summer from the developer then Cheshire East must consider the likelihood of this particular scheme ever materialising.

"We cannot remain in a state of limbo and with demolition contracts in place we must have a guarantee of what will replace it. The people of Crewe deserve to see action and we share in the growing frustration that people are feeling."

The project also includes a multi-storey car park and a new bus station, but such is the state of the town's old interchange the councillors are planning to launch a campaign to press for immediate refurbishment work to start on the site.

Crewe South councillor Laura Smith said: "This is now beyond a joke. People need a bus station that is fit for purpose and we have waited long enough. As councillors we are now demanding that this commitment is made.

"We have been given no good reason for this not to happen and so call on this to begin immediately. It is essential that we get the bus station done and will now be launching a public campaign we would urge residents to support."

The councillors were told that the £3 million revamp of the Market Hall will be complete for a reopening next spring despite delays due to Covid-19.

"If we can see a new bus station and a vibrant market hall offering food and entertainment as well as a variety of traders then we will see footfall increase in Crewe. We must give people a reason to visit our town and that vision needs to be family friendly, accessible and fit for the future," said Crewe Town Council's Deputy Leader Jamie Messent.

And Crewe St Barnabas councillor Sally Handley added: "It is clear officers at Cheshire East are working hard to get the regeneration started - now we have to see that commitment from the developer.

"This is only a small piece of a wider strategic plan that needs to happen to see Crewe turn into a destination that will encourage not only its own residents to visit, but also those from outside of the town. As the principal town in Cheshire East with the transport connections that it has it is in everyone's interests to see this investment."

Cheshire East Council expects Royal Arcade developers Peveril to make progress towards submitting a planning application next year. The council says demolition of part of the site will start this September.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We are close to resolving the final matters in relation to the Royal Arcade. Quite rightly, we have taken some time to understand how the economic uncertainties created by the Covid-19 pandemic could affect the scheme.

"We are at a point where we expect to sign the development agreement within the next few weeks and, from there, we expect the development company Peveril to make progress in submitting their planning application next year.

"I understand the frustration felt by local councillors and the residents of Crewe. The council still intends to deliver this scheme, which will include a new bus station, improvements to public realm and a new multi-storey car park, as soon as possible.

"The Royal Arcade scheme is important for Crewe but it is only one part of a much larger regeneration programme, which builds on the investment made in the lifestyle centre, the University Technical College and also the redeveloped Market Hall, which will reopen early next year."