Crewe MP, Connor Naismith, believes the town centre is reaching a "turning point", with regeneration plans, new businesses and investment beginning to take shape.

In this opinion piece for Crewe Nub News, the Labour MP sets out his vision for the town's future, highlighting the proposed Royal Arcade development, a new health and care hub, The Dome Youth Zone and several businesses planning to move into Crewe.

Mr Naismith said: "Crewe town centre is the topic that crops up the most when I'm speaking with residents.

"We are incredibly passionate about our local area. Residents have countless ideas about the shops they want to see on the high streets.

"The household names, facilities, events and experiences they want in the town centre. It feels like we're at a turning point in Crewe's regeneration where those ideas are starting to materialise.

"We've got a government in charge that is putting its money where its mouth is. Developers are starting to feel reassured that our towns are safe places to build in. I cannot overstate how much of a difference that confidence makes.

"Under the previous government, the rug was pulled from underneath local people with the decision to cancel HS2. That uncertainty resulted in us missing out on millions of pounds in investment.

"We can't change the past, but the future of Crewe town centre is starting to come to life. Plans for the Royal Arcade site are well underway.

"I met many of you at the Capital&Centric Shape Your Town event, where the developer consulted local people on proposals for a mixed-use site of 500 high-quality new homes, alongside space for food and drink businesses and improved public spaces.

"Homes are a crucial part of town centre regeneration in the age of online shopping. Homes mean people. People that are customers. Customers that can sustain the businesses that make our high streets the vibrant places we need them to be.

"This is about supporting the existing business community, while sending a signal to new shops, bars, cafes and restaurants that Crewe is a safe bet for their investment.

"I am fully supportive of Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust's declaration of interest in setting up a Community Diagnostic Centre and Neighbourhood Hub at the site, bringing a whole host of medical treatment to people's doorsteps and saving the journey to Leighton Hospital.

"Just down the road, The Dome Youth Zone will be opening on 28 November on Oak Street, giving young people somewhere to meet outside of school hours to record a podcast, play basketball, work out, or even use the climbing wall.

"Household names are popping up across our town, with Argos in the Market Shopping Centre, Black Sheep Coffee on the retail park and Masovia Bakery on Victoria Street all announcing plans to move in the past few months (I am aware many of you are still waiting for Primark to join that list).

"These changes don't come from nowhere. They are the result of a stable economic outlook and a vocal community with a clear vision of town centre regeneration.

"From my conversations with residents, that looks like a blend of household names and independents; meeting places for the elderly, young people, and families; better public facilities; and the appropriate blend of hospitality, retail and residential sites.

"That is the version of Crewe town centre I'm fighting for, and one that feels closer by the day."

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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 19 November. Buy a ticket for just £2.