To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.
Minutes:
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.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government had formally approved the Council’s request that £1.893m of funding be rolled into 2026 / 2027 for the Warm and Healthy Homes, History Centre and Public Realm, Repurposing High Street and Valley Brook Green Corridor projects.
Warm and Healthy Homes – Karen Carsberg, Head of Housing, attended the meeting to provide an update and seek direction on the Warm and Healthy Homes project. The Board were updated that the Warm and Healthy Homes project was targeting 65 of the Railway Cottage dwellings, with 45 signed up to date. The project was scheduled to commence in August 2025 and complete by Autum 2026.
The original scope of the project was to improve the dwellings through general repairs, window replacement, loft insulation and essential fabric repairs, and to the public realm by repairing and replacing the ground coverings in Betley, Tollit and Dorfold Streets, however due to subsoil issues, estimates for the public realm were estimated to be up to £3 million, due to possible Red Ash present under the sub soil.
A public realm survey would be required to enable Crewe Town Council and Highways to identify long term public realm issues, however these are likely to be expensive options.
The Board were presented with several alternative recommendations to the project scope, to ensure that improvements to the dwellings could be improved as much as possible, and proposed works to the public realm be reduced.
Repurposing Our High Street – Twelve grant recipients had businesses that were now open, two were pending opening dates, there were three grant offers made to organisations and eight new grant applications in process. Other units were becoming vacant as some national businesses were closing. Vinyl artwork had now been installed on the former Iceland site.
History Centre / Public Realm – Building work commenced in January 2025 and a showcasing event was held on 20 February 2025. A groundbreaking event is scheduled for 3 April 2025 as PR for the History Centre, but also to mark completion of Phase 1 Civic & Cultural Hub works.
Youth Zone - Bentley Motors and the Steve Morgan Foundation were the latest supporters. Recruitment to senior leadership and administration team roles were underway. Forecasting spring / summer 2026 opening.
Crewe Youth Club – The only outstanding issue related to s278 remedial works on Mirion Street which had additional costs. A PR campaign was underway to support the opening in May 2025.
Cumberland Arena – Due to complete December 2025.
Pocket Parks – Final designs had been completed for Lime Tree Avenue and Samuel Street, however there had been some local objection. Design work had been completed for Westminster Street and Valley Brook prior to public consultation, and both were expected to complete by December 2025, incorporating feedback from the Nantwich Road Action Group.
Jubilee / Wishing Well – Planning application had been submitted with a decision due mid-March 2025.
Southern Gateway (FHSF fund project) – Main works to be completed by May 2025.
Mill Street Corridor – Required land had been acquired and easement issues resolved. Highways were exploring options regarding options for a related project at Nantwich Road Bridge.
RESOLVED:
Warm and Healthy Homes – The Board resolved to amend the project scope as follows, Highways to carry out an initial scoping survey (£7500), to receive a cost / benefit analysis of the public realm survey to be provided prior to a decision on whether to continue with the full survey, and a site visit be arranged:
· Dwellings
o Repairs up to property
o Window replacement
o Loft insulation
o Fabric repairs
o Door replacements
· Public Realm
o Tree removal and replacement
o Rainwater goods (all properties)
That the updates be noted.