The board received updates on the Market Hall Redevelopment, the Crewe Town Centre Regeneration Framework, and the proposed changes to planning policy around Houses in Multiple Occupation. No decisions were taken at this meeting.

Crewe Market Hall Redevelopment

The board received an update on the Crewe Market Hall Redevelopment.

The Market Hall opened in August 2021 following a £3 million refurbishment by Cheshire East Council, but has struggled to attract customers. According to a report discussed at a previous meeting of the board on 1 November 2024, occupancy of the market's stalls is at 50%, footfall remains lower than expected and there have been a number of high profile business failures. The report identifies the cost of living crisis and a lack of awareness of the market's offer as key reasons for its struggles.

The report highlighted that the cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on small businesses nationally, but particularly in Crewe. The report also suggests that residents are unclear about what the Market Hall offers, with many still believing it to be a traditional market.

Printed minutes 01112024 0930 Crewe Town Board

The board discussed the work that has been done to promote the market, including a local marketing campaign and participation in the recent Christmas light switch on event. The board agreed to discuss the matter further at a future meeting.

Crewe Town Centre Regeneration Framework

The board received a report on the Crewe Town Centre Regeneration Framework. The report discussed the feedback received during a recent consultation event.

The framework, which is still in development, will set out the vision for the regeneration of the town centre. The framework will inform future planning decisions and guide investment in the town centre. It has been developed following a £100m investment in the town centre by the government's Towns Fund.

This framework is intended to guide the Council and others in the future development and management of Crewe Town Centre. The framework will provide a shared vision and a clear set of principles to guide future change.

Public reports pack 06th-Dec-2024 09.30 Crewe Town Board

The board were pleased with the level of engagement in the consultation, and agreed to note the feedback that had been received.

Houses of Multiple Occupation

The meeting received an update on the council's proposals to restrict the development of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)¹ in Crewe.

The council is considering introducing an Article 4 Direction² to restrict the conversion of family homes into HMOs. The council believes that the high concentration of HMOs in certain areas of Crewe is having a negative impact on the local community, particularly the availability of family homes. The meeting heard that the council is considering a number of options including restricting the number of HMOs in certain areas or making it more difficult for landlords to get planning permission to convert properties into HMOs.

The board discussed the proposals and agreed that it was important to find a way to balance the need for affordable housing with the need to protect the character of residential areas.