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.
Cumberland Arena – Scottish Power Energy required a new lease on a substation on the site which may cause a delay. The main contract for construction, with Manchester & Cheshire Construction, was expected to be awarded w/c 8 May 2025, with works mobilising on 12 May 2025, with a target to complete February / March 2026. Any works to the changing rooms would be considered as part of future fund bidding opportunities.
A project review had been undertaken to understand “lessons learned” as to why the late identification of costs arose, and three reasons of failure were identified: dedicated officer support, design issues and communication delays. A new Project Manager resource had been allocated to the project, as part of an project management team delivering the ongoing project and the positive response from Council officers was noted by Board Members.
Repurposing Our High Street – Two new video case studies would be going live shortly for “Crewe Creates” and “Kerala Peppery”. The grant scheme was looking to be extended to December 2026.
History Centre / Public Realm – The Phase 1 site had opened on 28 April 2025 which included a new surface car park. The Phase 2 project was ongoing, and the remaining Towns Fund grant would be utilised towards this project. The groundbreaking event had been postponed due to a by-election but would be rescheduled imminently.
TADIC* - The physical works had been completed. The building would be leased and managed by a specialised operator.
Crewe Youth Zone – Sewer diversion works had resulted in a delay despite Southern Gateway works being suspended to allow for these, so work on site had been rephased. This had created further cost issues for the project but OnSide were pursuing other strategies to minimise delay and associated costs. The project was forecasted to open in Summer 2026. The Council was awaiting information on use of the hoarding for alternative display purposes.
Crewe Youth Club – The first of two official launch events was set for 27 June 2025 from 1100-1300.
Valley Brook Corridor – Cheshire East Council’s Environmental Commissioning were engaged in planning the off-road works, deliverables, surfacing, draft Valley Park design, and a handover meeting for the off-road sections.
Pocket Parks – Design works had commenced for Westminster Street and Valley Brook pocket parks. Consultation on the Westminster Street pocket park was due to commence in May 2025 and the project was scheduled to be completed by December 2025. The vandalised equipment at the Derby Docks pocket park site was to be repaired using contingency funds.
Jubilee / Wishing Well – The outcome of planning application was still to be determined. Cheshire East Council’s Environmental Commissioning were now leading on the project delivery. There is potential for murals to be included as part of the project.
Warm and Healthy Homes – The indicative cost relating to the public realm area site investigations was £12,000 with an estimated timeline of five weeks from instruction, plus time for Cheshire East Council approvals. The findings of the survey would determine the costs of the remaining works.
Southern Gateway* – The project was expected to complete in June 2025.
Royal Arcade Phase 2* – A recent customer engagement session had taken place with a number of potential site users. Research had been collated on seating options, recreational furniture and access gates. Public concerns remained over the maintenance of the area and the potential for vandalism. Phase 1 of tidying site and new perimeter fencing would commence in May 2025, with Phase 2 works to commence in September 2025.
*Not part of the Towns Fund
RESOLVED:
That the updates be noted.