A new Crewe town centre history archive facility has received a huge boost - following a multi-million pound investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies – a shared service of Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester Councils – looks set to be housed at new history centre sites in Crewe and Chester.

Crewe's new history centre will be located on the site of its former library - next to Memorial Square.

Crewe's new history centre will be located on the site of its former library - next to Memorial Square (Cheshire East Planning).

Today (December 7), The National Lottery Heritage Fund has agreed to provide funding to contribute towards the delivery both facilities.

Planning applications for the two centres were recently submitted and decisions on the plans are expected to be made before spring.

If they are approved in 2023, the grant from the Heritage Fund for both sites stands at £4.45 million.

This has been made possible through money raised by National Lottery players - allowing for construction of the centres to go ahead.

The project, called 'Cheshire's archives: a story shared', would transform the way the archives service works and give local people greater access to the collections.

Today (December 7), The National Lottery Heritage Fund has agreed to provide funding to contribute towards the delivery of Crewe's new history centre (Ryan Parker).

It would create opportunities for Crewe people to interact with them more easily – helping them to celebrate their personal and communities' histories.

Lead for archives at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Jill Rhodes, said: "Cheshire's archive collections date back more than 900 years.

"It represents a unique and irreplaceable part of the county's heritage, coming from all walks of life including businesses, schools, hospitals and local clubs and organisations.

"This funding decision from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a significant step towards being able to deliver two fantastic new facilities.

"They will ensure the archives' long-term preservation, open them up to a whole new audience and allow them to be used in a way that has not been possible previously."

Work to build Crewe History Centre is currently expected to begin in autumn 2023 - finishing in winter 2025 (Cheshire East Council).

Subject to planning permission, work to build the centres is currently expected to begin in autumn 2023 - finishing in winter 2025.

The new history centre would see Crewe's former library and Civic Centre Car Park demolished - making way for a new centre, car park and new public realm.

A new two-storey entrance will be made for Crewe Magistrates' Courts.

Last month (November), a planning application for the new Crewe centre was submitted.

Civic Centre Car Park will be demolished and a new two-storey entrance will be made for Crewe Magistrates' Courts (Ryan Parker).

This was alongside plans to transform the civic and cultural space between the Lifestyle Centre and Memorial Square.

For further information and to view the plans for the history centre in Crewe, visit Cheshire East Council's planning portal. Search for application reference 22/4451N.

READ MORE: Former Crewe nail shop close to town centre approved for conversion to flat.

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