The Flag Lane Baths in Crewe were originally built in 1937. Credit: Baily Garner

Cheshire East signs off £3.5m Flag Lane Baths revamp

Councillors unanimously approved the project from Always Ahead Charity to turn the Art Deco public swimming baths in Crewe into a community centre.

Architect Baily Garner and landscape architects LDA Design drew up the proposals, which include an auditorium, restaurant, and outdoor sports area.

Originally built in 1937, the baths have been vacant since 2016. Always Ahead Charity wanted to change that and has been trying to raise £3.5m for that purpose.

Its vision is for the baths to be a civic and community hub, with officers for councillors to offer counselling sessions, youth spaces, café, community grocery club, heritage galleries and shop units. It also wants office spaces for small businesses and those just starting out.

The building would be able to be used year-round and would offer services for the unemployed and the homeless.

Outside, there would be an amphitheatre with seating and a ramp, flexible event spaces and a water feature.

“Many have referred to the plans as ambitious and I think this is fair and appropriate description,” said Always Ahead’s David Edwards at the planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

“I believe Crewe deserves this level of ambition,” he continued. “It is about time Crewe once again became a place of civic pride for the whole community.”

The application’s reference number with Cheshire East Council is 21/6400N.

You can get a taste of what the future Flag Lane Baths may look like in the mini gallery below.

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