The Crewe Town Board met on 5 September 2025 to discuss town centre regeneration, the Repurposing Our High Street Fund scheme, the Crewe BID¹, Towns Fund projects, and devolution in Cheshire and Warrington. The board was also scheduled to confirm the appointment of a Vice Chair.

Crewe Town Centre Regeneration / Royal Arcade

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the Crewe Town Centre Regeneration and Royal Arcade project.

At the previous meeting on 1 August 2025, the board was informed that Cheshire East Council was in talks with a potential developer to redevelop the Royal Arcade and other town centre sites into a residential-led development with active uses on the ground floor . The council intended to bring a report with recommendations to the September meeting of its Economy and Growth Committee.

Towns Fund Performance Update

The Crewe Town Board was scheduled to receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.

At the previous meeting, the board received updates on the following projects:

• Repurposing Our High Streets Grant Scheme – There was potential for the occupiers of TADIC² to apply for a grant. There had been positive discussions with the new owners of Burford House who were exploring new retail units.

• Cheshire Archive / Public Realm – An ice cream van had been delivered to Cheshire College S&W and plans were progressing for its use at events over the summer.

• TADIC – A low-key operation commenced 21 July with paying occupiers. Marketing was underway to other potential businesses and entrepreneurs. It was expected to be fully operational when an operator was in place from October 2025.

• The Dome Youth Zone – The programme was impacted by 11 weeks of delay due to utilities issues. High Street works were due to complete shortly although would close again briefly to facilitate the final phase of the Southern Gateway. A funding gap of £400,000 remained. Forecasting Summer 2026 opening.

• Crewe Youth Club - Outstanding S278³ works on the entrance road / footpath were currently under construction.

• Cumberland Arena – Site demolition had been completed, and foundation works commenced. Utility companies had commenced some of their preliminary works. PR to be issued with steelwork construction commencement. Expected to complete in February / March 2026.

• Pocket Parks – Construction works had completed in Lime Tree Avenue and the park was now partially open with full opening in September 2025 and the planting scheme to be completed in winter 2025 / 2026. Work had commenced on Samuel Street and was expected to open in September 2025. A consultation had been completed regarding Westminster Street and Valley Brook Pocket Parks with 81% support. Vandalised equipment at Derby Docks would be replaced utilising the contingency after school holidays. Issues of antisocial behaviour regarding drug and alcohol use at several sites had been raised and CCTV was being installed at various sites. The board requested targeted walk-abouts from the Police at the known sites and for the police to provide feedback where issues had been raised.

• Jubilee / Wishing Well - New outdoor community space intended to be operated by Wishing Well charity. Awaiting outcome of planning application – if the outcome in favourable works would commence in September 2025 with completion in early 2026.

• Lyceum Square – Exhibit boards now installed with regular programme being developed.

• Warm and Healthy Homes – Procurement process for repairs, drain surveys, tree removal and replacement and rainwater goods replacement had commenced, which would determine how much money could be allocated to each project. A policy review was underway to determine homeowner contributions to mitigate any dropout.

• Southern Gateway - Main works completed but due to issue with supplier of steel fencing, the route would not open until mid-September 2025.

• Mill Street Corridor – Cheshire East Highways and Taylor Woodrow commenced main Phase 2a works on 23 June. Site clearance was almost complete, and footpath diversions were in place. Basements from old terraces had been identified which required archaeological monitoring and potentially additional infill. Phase 2b was expected to complete by Spring 2026.

• Royal Arcade - Phase 1 worked were nearing completion. The planning application for Phase 2 (hardstanding, footpaths, seating, lighting, recreation spaces, etc.) was live with a decision expected in late August 2025. Manchester and Cheshire Construction had been appointed. Phase 2 expected to be complete in early 2026.

Devolution Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on devolution in Cheshire and Warrington.

At the previous meeting, the board was informed that the English Devolution Bill was published on 11 July 2025. Cheshire and Warrington were confirmed as having passed the government's statutory tests following the consultation and the three councils would be holding council meetings in September 2025 with decision making reports in relation to devolution. There had been requests made to delay the Mayoral Election from May 2026 to May 2027 to coincide with local government elections.

Other Business

The board was also scheduled to discuss the Repurposing Our High Street Fund scheme and the Crewe BID.