REGENERATION chiefs are set to choose the projects which could receive over £14 million of funding aimed at helping transform Crewe's town centre.

The government revealed on Boxing Day that Crewe was one of 72 towns across England ready to benefit from a total of £831m investment in the high street.

The funding from the Future High Streets Fund is provisional, but Cheshire East Council - which made the bid last summer - will begin evaluating projects from a shortlist that can be put in place over the next three years.

The authority says more information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "To be awarded funding via the Future High Streets Fund is a real achievement considering the strong competition from across the country.

"It demonstrates that government and our local partners have confidence in our shared regeneration plans for the town centre."

Crewe is also aiming to secure up to £25m funding as part of the Towns Fund for regeneration projects.

The Crewe Town Board was set up last summer to oversee a Town Investment Plan which will include a range of regeneration schemes.

Doug Kinsman, chair of the board, said: "Securing this funding is a timely boost for Crewe, but it only forms part of our plans for the biggest investment that Crewe has ever seen.

"We're currently working with partners to develop a plan which we hope will pave the way for a further £25m of investment in regeneration projects across the town over the next five years."

The Future High Streets Fund was first pledged in 2018 to help struggling areas as part of the UK Government's "levelling up" agenda.

Nationally, 101 towns bid for the funding, totalling more than was available via the cash post so most towns, including Crewe, have been allocated a reduced amount to focus on key priorities.

Cllr Mannion added: "This announcement comes hot on the tails of other projects that have taken a huge leap forward in recent months, including the redevelopment of Crewe Market Hall, which reopens in the spring, and the ongoing demolition of the vacant shops at the Royal Arcade."