Cheshire East casts the net for Crewe proposals
With 500 homes as the central element, developers have been invited to put forward ideas for a raft of council-owned town centre sites. A preferred developer will be chosen in January.
Cheshire East Council described this as “the next stage of Crewe’s regeneration journey” getting underway. It is seeking development proposals through a competition using the Pagabo pre-construction services framework
The sites include part of the open space next to the bus station and multi-storey car park, as well as several surface car parks.
Across the plots, the development could deliver up to 500 new homes, including a mix of apartments and town houses, as well as retail, leisure, office and community spaces at ground floor level, together with new outdoor spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, as CEC looks to ramp up the central Crewe offer.
Cllr Michael Gorman, the local authority’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said: “Over the last 10 years, our Crewe regeneration programme has delivered £100m of investment, including the Lifestyle Centre, Market Hall, bus station and the soon-to-be-opened Dome Youth Zone and Cheshire Archive Crewe.
“These investments have all been about bringing life back into the town centre and creating more reasons for people to come and spend time here.
“So much has already been achieved, but we’re now ready to move forward with the next important piece of our vision and transform further key sites.
“A key part of this vision is new homes. Creating more homes in the town centre will support local businesses, increase footfall throughout the day and evening, and help create a more vibrant and sustainable town centre – one where people can live, work and spend their leisure time.”
A decision on appointing a preferred developer is expected to be taken by CEC’s cabinet in January. This would then allow detailed proposals to be developed over a 12 to 18-month period.
Cllr Gorman added: “As these plans are developed, we’ll be listening carefully to local communities about what they want to see in these areas.
“The proposals will also be integral to the council’s recently-commissioned Greater Crewe Growth & Regeneration Framework, which will help ensure the town secures the right infrastructure investment needed to support Crewe’s growth and meet the needs of its communities.”
Any final proposals would be subject to planning approvals and a further decision from cabinet.
