Cheshire East Council is holding a public exhibition on plans to regenerate a key area of Crewe town centre - seeing the demolition of a former library.

Plans are being progressed to transform an area between the Lifestyle Centre and Memorial Square - delivering the first phase of a public realm scheme.

This includes new planting, lighting and seating – as well as a full demolition of Crewe's former library and structure over the existing Civic Centre car park.

Plans include new planting, lighting and seating – as well as a full demolition of Crewe's former library and structure over the existing Civic Centre car park (Cheshire East Council).

The demolition would make way for a new state-of-the-art history centre, which would house part of Cheshire's extensive archives.

The plans also include delivery of a new car park and a new two-storey entrance to the Magistrates' Courts.

This Thursday (October 13), detailed information about the proposals will be on display at Crewe Market Hall from 1pm to 5pm.

Cheshire East Council officers will be on hand to answer questions and take feedback.

The demolition of Crewe's former library would make way for a new state-of-the-art history centre (Ben Wye).

The project is part of a package of 10 being progressed following Cheshire East Council's successful £14.1m bid to the government's Future High Streets Fund.

It is also supported through Crewe's allocation of up to £22.9m from the government's Towns Fund. 

A planning application for the scheme is expected to be submitted in November.

Subject to planning consent, it is anticipated that work could begin on phase one in spring next 2023 and finish in early 2024.

A planning application for the Crewe town centre scheme is expected to be submitted in November (Ryan Parker).

Chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, said: "This project would provide the first part of a new and attractive pedestrian link through the cultural and civic quarter of the town centre and regenerate a space that historically has attracted anti-social behaviour. 

"Importantly, it would also provide the clear site that is needed to build one of two new history centres planned for Cheshire and create a high-quality and attractive setting for it.

"I urge people to attend the public exhibition and take a closer look at the plans, and how it fits into our wider long-term vision for the town."

The plans for a new history centre in Crewe are being driven forward by Cheshire Archives and Local Studies.

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

The project, called 'Cheshire's archives: a story shared', is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and proposes a completely new history centre in Crewe and a new centre in Chester.

These new centres would replace the archive service's current facility - no longer fit for purpose.

Completion of the final second phase of public realm works adjacent to the planned Crewe History centre will be delivered following construction of the centre.

It will include high-quality paving and planting areas, activity space, new seating, bike racks and public art. 

Cheshire East Council officers will be on hand tat the exhibition to answer questions and take feedback (Cheshire East Council).

The second phase is supported by the government's Towns Fund. 

Crewe Nub News will attend the exhibition and provide an update on the upcoming development.

READ MORE: Crewe choir which once performed with Sir Tom Jones looking for new members.

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