Cheshire East gives Crewe Youth Zone go-ahead

Charity OnSide is anticipating a 2025 opening date for the 24,500 sq ft facility at the corner of Oak Street and High Street.

Designed by Seven Architecture, the scheme was approved last Wednesday by Cheshire East Council for the delivery of Crewe Youth Zone on the former site of Oak Street Car Park.

Upon entering the future youth zone, guests will find a 6,600 sq ft sports hall and a 1,900 sq ft fitness suite, as well as a 600 sq ft music room and a 400 sq ft arts and crafts space.

Moving up to the first floor, there will be a 3,700 sq ft multi-use games area, a 400 sq ft games room, and a 300 sq ft health and wellbeing hub.

Visitors of Crewe Youth Zone will also have access to 1,000 sq ft of office space and a 300 sq ft boardroom.

Plans include a sports hall and games area. Credit: via OnSite

Being delivered in partnership with Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Board, the centre was awarded an £8.3m grant from the government’s Youth Investment Fund in March.

The Youth Investment Fund is funded by the government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, and is delivered by Social Investment Business in partnership with National Youth Agency, Resonance, and the Key Fund.

Nick Temple, chief executive of Social Investment Business said: “The Youth Investment Fund is enabling more young people to benefit from the life-changing impact of youth work across England, giving them the best opportunities to thrive.

“It’s hugely exciting to see the Onside Crewe project coming to life, it’s one of the first projects to benefit from the Youth Investment Fund.”

Doug Kinsman, chair of Crewe Town Board, added: “The facility will deliver a step change for youth provision within the town, creating an inspirational environment in which young people can develop to their full potential, well supported and nurtured by a professional team of youth workers.”

Onside is active throughout the North West, operating nine youth zones across the region. The charity’s plans for a Preston Youth Zone are also set to go before that city council’s planning committee next week.

Plans were submitted for the Crewe scheme last December.

Cllr Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “The youth zone has now taken a huge step closer to providing a wide range of leisure, sport, health, and wellbeing support for the young people of Crewe and the surrounding area.

“Our young people tell us on many occasions that improving on the number of positive things to do is one of their main priorities”, she continued.

“I look forward to seeing the plans progress, delivering a service that will not only improve the health and wellbeing of young people, but will also help drive their aspirations for the future.”

Graham Ramsbottom, chair of Crewe Youth Zone, added: “Youth Zones are inspirational places that give young people support from trusted youth workers, and countless opportunities, from meeting new friends to finding their passions.”

The project team includes project manager Walker Sime, transport consultant SK Transport Planning, and M&E consultant Steven A Hunt & Associates. HL Structural Engineers is the structural and civil engineer.

To learn more about the plans Crewe, search for application number 22/4964N on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.