Crewe HS2 hub consultation gets under way

Cheshire East has launched two consultations for the future of Crewe station, including options for a road bridge and the potential to bring forward up to 3.8m sq ft of commercial space along with 3,700 homes.

The first consultation focusses on the area action plan, an area which stretches from Basford Hall sidings, across Weston Road to Second Avenue; along Gresty Road, South Street and Mill Street; and as far as Manchester Bridge along the A532.

Commercial development will primarily focus on a plot either side of Weston Road, bordering the station then moving across Weston Road to reach Gateway Road opposite Crewe Business Park. The plot is also bordered by First Avenue.

As well as 3.8m sq ft of offices, the council will also look to bring forward sites for approximately 3,700 homes, focussed around Mill Street between the town centre and the railway station.

An improved retail offering in the area is also proposed with both new and re-purposed space to provide as much as 65,000 sq ft of retail and leisure; however the council has stipulated any retail offering should be convenience focussed with units of no larger than 5,300 sq ft.

The council is seeking public views on where different types of development should be built; how to encourage walking and cycling; protecting heritage in the area; how to link the station and town centre; and what new infrastructure will be needed to support the project.

The planning document, which was endorsed by Cheshire East Council earlier this month, covers the period up to 2040.

A second consultation is also taking place on the Southern Road Link Bridge, which is one of the key infrastructure proposals for the area action plan. While the location of the bridge is fixed by Network Rail, there are eight different access options being assessed by the council, which can be seen below.

The eight options for the road bridge

Both consultations will run for the next six weeks, and will close on 3 September 2019.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “HS2 is a massive opportunity for Cheshire East. It will bring a huge investment in our infrastructure and create the right conditions for businesses and jobs to come here.

“Crewe could be an incredibly successful place. We are working on huge investment projects that will radically transform the area, such as the Crewe Market Hall, Royal Arcade and bus station. This, along with road improvements, is all to ensure our residents fully benefit from HS2 and the increased rail connectivity that comes with it.

“To make this happen, the council has to plan carefully to anticipate opportunities that HS2 could bring and plan for how our communities will get the best out of the development here.

“This also includes developing an understanding of the skills and training offer locally – working with the UTC, Reaseheath College, Cheshire College South and West and existing businesses – to understand how local people can take advantage of the jobs that are expected to come to the area.

“I am sure you will agree that we need to improve the road network around Crewe and we have proposals to achieve this, and bring jobs and opportunities to our community.

“These public consultations allow people to comment on the plan – and the proposals contained within it – in particular the proposal for the Southern Road Link Bridge. I urge everyone in the area to be involved in this consultation as this is something that impacts the future for Crewe.”