OPINION: Residential units can play 'vital role' in regenerating Crewe town centre
As a local councillor representing Crewe, I wanted to share some thoughts on the recent wave of planning applications that could bring about a meaningful transformation to our town centre.
These proposals involve repurposing several key buildings, from Breeden House on Edleston Road to Regency Court and, most recently, the former Boots store on Market Street, by changing their use from purely commercial to mixed-use, including residential accommodation.
Some of these properties which are in prominent positions have been vacant for some time or have fallen into a poor state of repair.
The former Boots store on Market Street is one such example, a large retail unit that remains unused.
The current proposal would see this space subdivided into smaller retail units, which could open the door for independent traders and start-up businesses to establish themselves in the heart of Crewe, breathing new life into the town centre.
This approach aligns well with Cheshire East Council's Repurposing Our High Streets initiative, which is currently underway in Crewe.
The scheme is designed to encourage the regeneration of vacant commercial spaces by offering business support and capital grants of up to £30,000 to those taking on leases within the town centre.
Since its launch, 12 businesses have been awarded grants, with a further seven currently progressing through the application process as of February 2025.
More information about this initiative is available at openincrewe.co.uk.
For other out-of-use buildings, such as the former M&S unit, new legislation that has recently come into force could mark a turning point for our town centre.
These new powers allow local authorities to auction off leases for long-term vacant high street shops. This is a significant step forward, giving councils the ability to take more direct action to tackle persistent vacancies.
I would fully support Cheshire East Council in pushing this forward for properties that have remained empty for too long, to help reinvigorate our high streets.
We must acknowledge that the retail landscape has changed dramatically.
The rise of out-of-town retail parks, such as Grand Junction, with convenient parking and extended opening hours has drawn many shoppers away from traditional high streets.
Meanwhile, online retail and evolving consumer habits have further impacted demand for town centre retail units.
In order for town centres like Crewe to thrive again, we must embrace a more diverse and modern approach.
That means reimagining these spaces not just as shopping destinations, but as vibrant, multi-use areas.
Encouraging a broader mix of uses, residential, leisure, office space, healthcare, education, hospitality, and more, will help create a town centre that serves the community in a much fuller way.
Introducing residential units into the town centre can play a vital role in this strategy.
When people live within the centre, they contribute directly to the local economy, increase footfall, and help create a more active and vibrant environment.
A well-planned mix of apartment living can support surrounding businesses and contribute to a stronger sense of community in the town centre.
Of course, the success of these residential developments depends on the quality of what is delivered.
Apartments must be of a high standard to attract a diverse range of residents, and developments should be well-connected to ensure long-term sustainability.
Initiatives such as the Crewe Cycling and Pedestrian Connectivity Schemes, which aim to improve routes between the town centre and the railway station, are an important step in the right direction.
It is important that we move on from past disappointments and decisions made some time ago.
While it is vital we learn from those experiences, our focus must now be on the future, building on current achievements and driving forward further opportunities for Crewe.
We are already seeing real progress. The refurbished Market Hall has brought fresh energy to the town centre.
The new Crewe Youth Zone is currently being developed on Oak Street, and the Crewe History Centre is underway near Memorial Square.
The newly completed bus station is now open, providing modern facilities for those using bus services and greatly enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.
We should celebrate and support the 19 new small businesses that have already opened, or are preparing to launch in Crewe, thanks to the High Street Repurposing Grants currently available.
And, dare I mention it, we have a modern car park, one that will hopefully see more use as our town centre redevelopment continues to unfold over time, especially when other ground-level car parks could potentially be sold off for developments as part of further regeneration of the town centre.
Attention now turns to the long-awaited redevelopment of the adjacent site.
Plans for this have recently been on display at the Market Hall and online, allowing residents to provide their valuable feedback and input.
These plans include creating new grassed-over areas, a well-lit footpath linking the bus station and multi-storey car park with the corner of Victoria Street and Queensway, and paved spaces with seating, designed for events and community activities.
These improvements will open up the area, making it more accessible and inviting, providing a space for relaxation and engagement for residents and visitors alike.
Of course, it's important for residents to have their say on the future of our town.
When the Council proposes an idea, there is generally a consultation process that allows residents to give their feedback, alongside the normal planning process.
However, ideas and proposals are most often submitted by private developers, such as the applications for these residential units, residents can always have their say and can comment on all the applications the council receives through the planning portal on the council website.
I encourage everyone to look at these and make their voices heard to contribute to shaping the future of Crewe.
Additionally, residents have the opportunity to attend and speak at planning committee meetings, where the Southern Planning Committee regularly meets to discuss applications.
These meetings are a great opportunity to get involved directly in the decision-making process. This is all published on the Cheshire East Council website.
Of course, the council can't force large retailers, such as Primark or The Range, to come to our town, but we can certainly make the right steps to create a viable landscape that will attract this type of investment, helping to shape the future of Crewe.
Ultimately, for Crewe to flourish, we must move beyond outdated models and adapt to modern needs.
By supporting a variety of uses within our town centre, underpinned by good infrastructure and quality development, we can create a place that people are proud to call home, visit frequently, and invest in with confidence.
READ MORE: Crewe bank applies to install roller shutter doors to prevent homeless sleeping.
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