AFFORDABLE homes for young people, the conversion of Christ Church into a technology centre and new road and pedestrian links are planned as part of a £14.1 million investment in Crewe.

The regeneration projects have been announced by Cheshire East Council as part of the town's recent Future High Streets Fund award and are aimed at drawing residents and businesses back into the town centre.

The projects, some of which will require planning permission, include plans to create a "sustainable residential area" in the heart of the town centre.

More than 90 affordable homes for young people, families and the elderly will mean easy access to services and thus reduce the carbon footprint.

A public space for cultural and civic activities will be shaped and to attract more economic activity back into the town centre a technology and digital innovation campus is planned

That will include the conversion of the derelict 19th century Christ Church into a technology and digital-focused co-working space.

Other projects that are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024 are:

• A sustainable energy network – powered by a heat pump at an energy centre attached to Crewe Lifestyle Centre - would link to buildings in the civic/cultural quarter.

• A new off-road pedestrian link/cycle path from Oak Street to Forge Street (next to the Lifestyle Centre) via High Street, which would improve access into the town centre and encourage active travel.

• The long-planned 'Flag Lane link' would improve access for vehicles travelling between the east and west of the town centre - it would connect Dunwoody Way to Delamere Street, via Flag Lane.

A public exhibition on the latter project is being held in the autumn.

Meanwhile, some of the funding is earmarked for the installation of state-of-the-art junction controls along Wistaston Road, Edleston Road and Nantwich Road.

This project, which supports the council's carbon agenda and sustainable and active travel programmes, also includes improvements to the junction of Nantwich Road and South Street.

Finally, funding has been earmarked to address congestion and improve cycling facilities between Memorial Square and the Grand Junction Retail Park.

Cheshire East won the regeneration cash after submitting a bid to the government last summer. Now that a formal grant offer letter has been received work on the projects can begin.

It comes after Crewe was awarded a separate £22.9m Town Deal last month to deliver an additional set of projects, including the restoration of Flag Lane Baths.

Peter Skates, Cheshire East Council's director of growth and enterprise, said: "Our successful bid to the Future High Streets Fund shows there is confidence in our vision for the town and surrounding area and means that we can begin to deliver on our plans.

"Ensuring that residents and businesses continue to see real progress and that Crewe is a place where people want to live, work, socialise and do business."

Mr Skates added: "We believe that these projects will tackle key challenges in the town and will be a catalyst for further growth and regeneration. We look forward to continuing work with our partners to develop opportunities as they arise."