Cheshire East Council has agreed to move forward with plans for the former Flag Lane Baths in Crewe, with Cheshire Leisure identified as the preferred organisation to bring the historic building back into use.

The decision follows a competitive marketing process that invited organisations to put forward proposals for the future of the site.

A number of submissions were received and assessed against a range of criteria, including community benefit, heritage considerations, deliverability, funding and long-term sustainability.

Cheshire Leisure's proposal was identified as the strongest overall proposal. Their plans would see the building carefully restored and transformed into a community leisure, health and wellbeing hub.

This includes a vision to bring a swimming pool back to the site alongside a gym, fitness studios, education space and a range of facilities for local groups and community activities

Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, Cllr Mick Warren, said: "The former Flag Lane Baths is an important part of Crewe's heritage, and we know there is strong interest from local people in seeing the building brought back into use.

"Cheshire Leisure's proposal stood out in what was a competitive process.

"Their plans would preserve an important historic building while creating new opportunities for people to be active, learn new skills and take part in community activities.

"This is a significant milestone for the future of Flag Lane Baths and supports our wider ambitions for Crewe's regeneration.

"We look forward to working with Cheshire Leisure as they bring these exciting proposals to life."

The council will now work with Cheshire Leisure on the next stage of the project, including finalising legal agreements and supporting the organisation as it undertakes further due diligence and seeks planning permission and funding.

Managing director of Cheshire Leisure, Andrew Chandler, said: "The commitment Cheshire Leisure has made in securing the stewardship of the fantastic Flag Lane Baths reflects our mission to provide Crewe and Cheshire East residents with top-quality health and wellbeing facilities to add to, and work with, those already serving our local people.

"We've listened to what the community wants, and the new Flag Lane Baths complex will ensure everyone has access to the best environment possible to achieve their health, fitness, social and wellbeing goals.

"We thank those involved at Cheshire East Council, as well as the many contractors and industry experts in a variety of fields, in assisting us to this point and we are delighted to be given the chance to save this iconic building and to refresh it and return it to an opening condition as soon as is practically possible.

"There will be some challenges along the way but by working together we can achieve our goal of seeing swimming taking place again at Flag Lane Baths."

READ MORE: Crewe Prize Draw: Chance Changing Lives selected following big local company vote.

Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The next draw takes place on Thursday 30 July. Buy a ticket for just £2.