Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Kate Blakemore, Jasbir Dhesi, Rick Carter, Graham McKnight and Connor Naismith MP.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest other than those already on file.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meetings held on 19 June 2025 and 4 July 2025 respectively.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meetings held on 19 June 2025 and 4 July 2025 respectively be approved as correct records.

To receive an update on the Valley Brook Corridor project.

The Board received an update on the Valley Brook Corridor project.

The Board were updated that the scope of the project had been developed to ensure that it could still be delivered within the budget constraints. The revised scope of the project as of February 2025 was to:

-       Deliver all three of the off-road routes, including the improvements to the river in Valley Park:

o   Tipkinder Park – additional works to improve the area and footpath surface and refurbishments to the bridge. To be delivered by the end of 2025.

o   Valley Park (in conjunction with the Pocket Parks project) – additional works to upgraded path, play area, public realm and exploring additional connections to the river through a “beach” area.

o   Land South of Wistaston Road – to improve the access through alternative routes which were less steep and more accessible.

-       Deliver the on-road improvements along Alton Street and Electricity Street:

o   Focus on the 20mph route along stretches of Alton Street and Electricity Street

It was noted that the whole project should be completed by the end of 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To receive an update and discuss amendments to the Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference.

The Board considered amendments to the Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference.

It was noted that the draft updated Terms of Reference had been circulated to Board Members for comment, and the following additional suggestions were made:

-       Encouraging collaboration and partnership working

-       Provide strategic oversight for communications with residents on the delivery of the projects

-       These terms of reference will be reviewed annually or sooner if deemed appropriate. A potential trigger for review is the establishment of statutory subregional body/ partnerships.

-       References to devolution and locality working.

RESOLVED:

That the updated Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference be agreed, subject to minor amendments, and be published online.

To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.

The Board received an update on several of the Towns Fund Projects and Programme Management updates from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager, and individual project sponsors.

Repurposing Our High Streets Grant Scheme – Potential for the occupiers of TADIC to apply for a grant. There had been positive discussions with the new owners of Burford House who are exploring new retail units.

Cheshire Archive / Public Realm – Ice Cream Van element had been delivered to Cheshire College S&W and plans were progressing for its use at events over the summer.

TADIC – Low-key operation commenced 21 July with paying occupiers and marketing now underway to other potential businesses and entrepreneurs. Expected to be fully operations when an operator was in place from October 2025.

The Dome Youth Zone – Programme impacted by 11 weeks of delay due to utilities issues. High Street works due to complete shortly although will close again briefly to facilitate the final phase of the Southern Gateway. A funding gap of £400,000 remains. Forecasting Summer 2026 opening.

Crewe Youth Club - Outstanding S278 works on the entrance road / footpath was currently under construction.

Cumberland Arena – Site demolition had been completed and foundation works commenced. Utility companies have commenced some of their preliminary works.  PR to be issued with steelwork construction commences. Expected to complete in February / March 2026.

Pocket Parks – Construction works had completed in Lime Tree Avenue and the park was now partially open with full opening in September 2025 and the planning scheme to be completed in winter 2025 / 2026. Work had commenced on Samuel Street and was expected to open in September 2025. A consultation had been completed regarding Westminster Street and Valley Brook Pocket Parks with 81% support. Vandalised equipment at Derby Docks would be replaced utilising the contingency after school holidays. Issues of antisocial behaviour regarding drug and alcohol use at several sites had been raised and CCTV was being installed at various sites. The Board requested targeted walk-abouts from the Police at the known sites and for the police to provide feedback where issues had been raised.

Jubilee / Wishing Well - New outdoor community space intended to be operated by Wishing Well charity. Awaiting outcome of planning application – if the outcome in favourable works will commence in September 2025 with completion in early 2026.

Lyceum Square – Exhibit boards now installed with regular programme being developed.

Warm and Healthy Homes – Procurement process for repairs, drain surveys, tree removal and replacement and rainwater goods replacement had commenced, which would determine how much money could be allocated to each project. A policy review was underway to determine homeowner contributions to mitigate dropout.

Southern Gateway - Main works completed but due to issue with supplier of steel fencing, the route would not open until mid-September 2025.

Mill Street Corridor – Cheshire East Highways and Taylor Woodrow commenced main Phase 2a works on 23 June. Site clearance was almost complete and footpath diversions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To receive a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

The Board received a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

Royal Arcade – The Council were engaged with a potential developer with a view to redevelop this and other town centre sites. This would be a residential-led development with active uses on the ground floor. The Council intended to being a report with recommendations to the September meeting of its Economy and Growth Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To receive an update on devolution in Cheshire and Warrington.

The Board received an update on devolution in Cheshire and Warrington.

The Board were updated that the English Devolution Bill was published on 11 July 2025. Cheshire and Warrington were confirmed as having passed the government’s statutory tests following the consultation and the three councils would be holding Council meetings in September 2025 with decision making reports in relation to devolution. There had been requests made to delay the Mayoral Election from May 2026 to May 2027 to coincide with local government elections.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To note any other items of business.

Pace of Projects – Board members raised concerns over the pace of project delivery and actions have been put in place to ensure this.

Flag Lane Baths – An expression of interest had been received regarding ambition to develop it into a sport, gym and swimming pool facility, pending the outcome of the Department for Education’s plan of turning it into a SEND establishment.

Asylum Seeker Hotels – The government had announced plans to stop using hotel to house asylum seekers, which may have an impact on housing and HMOs in Crewe.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 05.09.2025 commencing at 09:30am.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 05.09.2025 commencing at 09:30am.