Plans to build a new history centre in Crewe town centre to co-host the region's archives with Chester have been approved – along with a scheme to transform the public space around it. 

Plans for a new history centre in Crewe, on the site of the town's former library, next to Memorial Square – were given the go ahead on Wednesday 15 March.

This was approved alongside a separate application to transform the civic and cultural space between the Lifestyle Centre and Memorial Square - including a new two-storey entrance to Crewe Magistrates' Courts.

Visuals of the new Crewe History Centre and civic and cultural space (Cheshire East Council).

Work to clear the site of the former library which closed in 2016 - is now expected to begin this summer.

Earlier this month, Cheshire West and Chester Council also received planning approval for a history centre in Hoole, Chester. The centres will replace the archive service's current facility.

Together, the two new centres will provide a suitable and long-term home for the archives and open up the collections to a whole new audience across Cheshire – for information, learning and enjoyment. 

Lead for archives at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Jill Rhodes, said: "This is fantastic news, and we are now a significant step closer to being able to better protect and share Cheshire's historic records.

"I look forward to seeing physical works on these centres beginning, and to local people being able to share their personal and communities' histories by accessing the archives in a way they have never been able to previously."

The new Crewe and Chester history centres are both expected to be completed in early 2025. 

Lead for archives at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Jill Rhodes (Cheshire East Council).

They will have climate-controlled environments and include large event and gallery spaces to host performances, workshops and exhibitions, more spaces for people to carry out research, and better spaces for staff and volunteers to work with the collections to make them more accessible.

The delivery of the centres is supported by a grant of £4.45m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This has been made possible through money raised by National Lottery players.

The grant will also support a Cheshire-wide outreach programme.

Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Helen Featherstone, said: "Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to be supporting this project.

There will be a new 32-space car park and a new two-storey entrance to the Magistrates' Courts.

"This will ensure the archive and collections are preserved for years to come, meaning that local communities and visitors can learn more about Cheshire's rich heritage. 

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the project as it takes shape and excited to see its contribution to the wider placemaking plans in Crewe."

In Crewe, as well as the new history centre, the plans approved will see the delivery of the first part of a new pedestrian link through the cultural and civic quarter of the town centre.

New planting, lighting, and seating will revamp the area and provide a new high-quality space for the public to enjoy.

The project includes clearing the site of the former library and the structure over the existing Civic Centre car park, which would then give the clear site needed for the new history centre.

New planting, lighting, and seating will revamp the area and provide a new high-quality space for the public to enjoy (Cheshire East Planning).

There will also be a new 32-space car park and a new two-storey entrance to the Magistrates' Courts.

The project is part of a package of projects being progressed following Cheshire East Council's successful £14.1m bid to the government's Future High Streets Fund and is also supported through Crewe's allocation of up to £22.9m from the government's Towns Fund.

Chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, said: "This project will extend the current public space around Memorial Square and improve links to the south of the town centre.

"It will link up with proposed schemes to improve pedestrian and cycle routes between the town centre and railway station. 

"Along with the history centre, the project will also take us a significant step towards completing our vision for the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre.

Chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion (Cheshire East Council).

"This includes the Lyceum Theatre and Market Hall, as well as the Ly2 scheme – work on which began in January and will see Lyceum Square transformed into an exciting events and performance space."

Completion of a second and final phase of public realm works next to the planned history centre, which is also supported by the government's Towns Fund - is planned to be delivered following construction of the Crewe centre.

READ MORE: Huge Knife Angel sculpture to visit Crewe town centre in 'ambitious undertaking.'

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