A Crewe town centre square has been transformed into a new events and performance space - with the site hosting an 'exciting' launch event over the weekend.

LY2 has seen the centre of Lyceum Square become a mixed-use space to host events, festivals, performances, and activities throughout the year.

On Saturday 24 June, this new development launched with performances from national dance circus company, Motionhouse, fresh from featuring at the National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome event in Liverpool.  

LY2 has seen the centre of Lyceum Square become a mixed-use space to host events, festivals, performances, and activities throughout the year (Peter Robinson).

As well as a new raised events stage with an integrated digital screen, LY2 includes colourful and multi-functional street furniture and improvements to key gateways into the square. 

The improvements have included the installation of an eagle mural which has been applied to the southern market shed known as 'Crewe Central' operated by the Crewe Market Hall team.

The eagle sits next to floor art on the Northern market shed designs, which has also recently been completed. 

Vice chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, said: "It is really exciting to see this project come to fruition.

"This space lends itself so well to a really broad range and diversity of arts events. 

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

"Being able to open now is another big boost to Crewe, as it keeps up the positive momentum built by the revamped Market Hall and also dovetails nicely with a fantastic programme of events that is already being provided by the Lyceum Theatre.

"It's also important to add that this isn't just about the here and now though.

"As we're approaching high summer, we are of course focusing our attention on an events and activity programme that takes us right through to September, but our commitment to LY2 will extend well beyond that."

The vision for Ly2 was developed by the Crewe Cultural Forum – a collaboration of more than 100 residents, organisations and businesses in Crewe – and it aims to enhance the setting of the Lyceum Theatre and Crewe Market Hall and create a cultural heart for the town centre.

Highways works are continuing as part of the programmed multi-phased approach, which includes Hill Street and part of Heath Street.

LY2 includes a new raised events stage with an integrated digital screen and colourful and multi-functional street furniture (Peter Robinson).

This will involve installation of final materials and imprinting of the junction and will be completed later this summer. 

Chair of Crewe Town Board, Doug Kinsman, added: "LY2 is here to stay, and I'm thrilled to see how this space will really connect our communities and provide opportunities to step up our arts scene in Crewe another notch.

"I've said this before, but it bears repeating – this is a transformative project for Crewe's town centre."

Later this summer, there will also be a more formal launch of the new Crewe town centre development.

Crewe Town Board was allocated £750,000 from the government's Accelerated Towns Fund for an improvement scheme for the Lyceum Square and adjacent areas.

Chair of Crewe Town Board, Doug Kinsman (Cheshire East Council).

The project is also supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Crewe Town Council.

LY2 was delivered by Cheshire East Council and overseen by Crewe Town Board with Crewe Town Council and Lyceum Theatre also key partners.

READ MORE: Refurbished Crewe eatery reopens under new name following 'quality changes' to menu.

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