‘Town Deal’ secured for Crewe

Crewe is to benefit from a £22.9m funding boost after being announced as one of the latest UK towns to successfully secure a ‘Town Deal’.

The announcement, made by government today, paves the way for partners in Crewe to deliver a package of projects that will help to support the ongoing regeneration of the town.

Doug Kinsman, chair of Crewe Town Board, said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news and the funding will help to set the town on a new and exciting path.

“Much time, effort and dedication from all those involved went into developing the bid to the Towns Fund and it just shows that great things can be achieved together.

“We will continue to work in partnership and make sure that we remain focused on our vision to make the town a more attractive place to live, work and invest in and that we deliver lasting health and wellbeing benefits.”

The announcement follows the recent news of Cheshire East Council’s successful bid to the government’s Future High Streets Fund – a further £14.1m that will be invested in the town over the next three years.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “Today’s announcement marks another significant achievement for Crewe and demonstrates that there is confidence in our shared ambitions for the town and wider area.

“This Town Deal will help shape the town’s long-term growth and development and make sure that we can continue to attract inward investment and economic opportunities – building on what has already been achieved and making the absolute most of opportunities that come our way, including the arrival of HS2.”

Cllr Mannion added: “With a funding offer in place, we can now work with our partners to push ahead with our plans, which will focus on community spaces and connected places, town centre regeneration and culture and heritage.”

Crewe Town Board will now work with Cheshire East Council to agree the full package of projects that will go forward.

These will include plans for ‘Lyceum Powerhouse’ – a new music venue and creative production facilities, which will deliver skills and development opportunities and provide space for a new generation of creative enterprises in the cultural industries.

Also included will be plans led by the Always Ahead charity to transform the former Flag Lane Baths into a community hub, while preserving the building’s heritage.

Over the next 12 months, in line with the conditions of the funding, a full business case will then be submitted to government for its agreement and sign off, which will detail the specific plans for each project.

Doug added: “Crewe’s communities were hugely important in shaping our bid to government and we will continue to have those conversations so that the package of projects we deliver reflects the outcomes people want to see.

“It will also complement the proposals developed through the council’s Future High Streets Fund bid. We look forward to being able to share further details in the future.”