Crewe town centre Cheshire Archives project takes next step
By Ryan Parker
1st Aug 2024 | Local News
The start date is nearing for construction of Crewe's new history centre, set to be co-hosting the region's archives with Chester.
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies is a shared service of Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
It looks after the county's unique and irreplaceable written and pictorial history, which dates back more than 900 years.
Construction of the new centres, Crewe and one in Chester, is set to begin in autumn.
The project, called 'Cheshire's archives: a story shared', will transform the way the archives service works and open up the collections to a whole new audience.
The history centres will feature new exhibition and event spaces, new research rooms, workspace for staff and volunteers, as well as environmentally stable storage for the archives.
In Cheshire East, the history centre will be based next to Memorial Square in Crewe town centre.
The area around where it will be is currently being revamped to provide an attractive new setting for the facility.
The archives project is supported by funding of £6.4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players.
There's further cause for celebration as the project has also been awarded a new £300,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation.
Lead for archives at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Jill Rhodes, said: "This project follows several years of engagement with residents across Cheshire and will deliver innovative and exciting ways of exploring the county's past.
"I very much look forward to construction of the history centre in Crewe progressing, and I would like to thank both The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Wolfson Foundation for their support, which has allowed this project to reach this extremely exciting stage.
"While an important piece in Crewe's ongoing regeneration journey, the history centre will help to protect the county's archives for generations to come and is an asset that those living right across the borough and beyond can access and enjoy."
In Chester, the new history centre will be delivered on the site of the former Enterprise Centre, on Lightfoot Street.
Chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom, said: "This is a remarkably exciting and ambitious project. We are very pleased to support the building of two new history centres in Chester and Crewe.
"These centres will help preserve Cheshire's historically significant archives and collections, increase access and, through exhibitions and events, inspire visitors."
The new centres will open in 2026. The online archive services will still be available, with people stil able to order copies of documents and research services requested.
Libraries across Cheshire will continue to provide access to local history books and maps as well as providing free online access to family history websites.
Director of England, North, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Helen Featherstone, added: "It is very exciting to see this project get underway.
"Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to be supporting this work ensuring the archive and collections are preserved for years to come, meaning local communities and visitors can learn more about Cheshire's rich heritage.
"We're looking forward to seeing the project as it takes shape and excited to see its contribution to the wider placemaking plans in Crewe and Chester."
READ MORE: What's on in Crewe this weekend: Razed On Radio, Karaoke Disco and Tabletop Tavern Sunday.
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