Crewe development proposals due in autumn
Cheshire East Council, advised by consultants SQW, are preparing to publish a list of options for developing the town centre and train station area over the next 20 years.
The consultation document, partly funded by the North West Development Agency, will be published in September and aim to "unlock the huge potential of Crewe to become an economic powerhouse", the council said this week.
The framework's five objectives identified by the consultants are:
- Improve strategic transport links and create a broadband Internet network
- Develop the 'knowledge economy' that attracts hi-tech firms and skilled workers
- Enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live and work, including boosting schools and local transport
- Develop under-utilised key sites including Basford East, Crewe rail station and the town centre
- Improve the town's public image and leadership
Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "Now we need to galvanise the whole community – and get beyond party politics – to help make this ambitious vision a reality.
"We all need to work together with commitment to ensure Crewe becomes more dynamic, forward thinking and a better place to live and work and visit."
Cheshire East Council will ask the community which key projects should be prioritised to meet the objectives set out by SQW.
Cllr Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: "In the current economic climate there will be less public funding over the next few years. However, the extensive work that has been carried out over the past six months will place us in a much stronger position and provide a more robust business case in attracting funding from investment agencies to take forward the most important projects."
