Muse outlines leisure plans for Crewe’s Basford East

The regeneration firm wants to create a shopping hub off David Whitby Way to serve the upcoming neighbourhood, which will welcome around 800 homes before the end of this decade.

Muse has launched a consultation on its proposals for the Crewe scheme, with plans to introduce new shops and eateries to serve the Basford East community. The consultation will run until 7 November and can be accessed at basfordeastconsultation.co.uk.

Proposals focus on a three-acre plot located near Junction 16 of the M6 and include plans for up to 31,600 sq ft of commercial development in the form of a discount supermarket or superstore, as well as drive-thrus.

Two outline visions have been produced for the shopping hub. The first features a 21,000 sq ft discount supermarket and a 2,00 sq ft drive-thru restaurant.

Alternatively, the site could welcome a 4,400 sq ft convenience store and two drive-thru restaurants measuring 2,000 sq ft and 3,800 sq ft, as well as a 3,400 sq ft flexible retail space for independent businesses.

In terms of sustainability, the development would include green spaces, footpaths, and electric vehicle charging points.

Tom Ivinson, development manager at Muse, said: “Residents moving into the Basford East area will be pioneering a new neighbourhood and laying the foundation for a community identity.

“This requires more than just building new homes, it needs the added ingredients of what makes a neighbourhood – such as access to local shops and eateries.”

AEW Architects designed the scheme. Avison Young is the planning consultant. The project team also includes transport consultant Eddisons and landscape architect CW Studios.

This is not Muse’s first foray into Basford East, having submitted plans in February to build a 1.3m sq ft industrial park off David Whitby Way after signing a development agreement with landowners Co-operative Group and the Witter Trust.

The wider area Basford East neighbourhood is allocated in for development in the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy 2010 – 2030.

Masterplan proposals include the delivery of up to 850 new homes, 47 acres of office space, and a local centre featuring a primary school, retail provision, and a restaurant.

Taylor Wimpey was granted to planning permission to build 325 homes on the wider site last October.