Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Connor Naismith MP and Andy Butler.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest from Board Members.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 6 March 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 6 March 2026 be approved as a correct record.

To consider a report on the Town Board and the future of Crewe.

The Board received a verbal update from Simon Yates on the future of Crewe, a report on which would be discussed in detail at the June meeting. 

It was noted that the report would look to build on the responsibilities and obligations the Board presently had, in delivering the Town Investment Plan with other organisations and stakeholders; whilst aligning its aspirations for the future with proposals outlined in a paper considered by Corporate Policy Committee on 30 April 2026 on the future potential growth of Crewe. 

It was noted that the Board’s Terms of Reference had been adapted over the years as its role had changed, culminating in a widening of its scope of interests to enable it to bring together a range of projects, not just those solely focused on capital investment.

Moving forward, the key areas for the Board to consider would be:     

·         Devolution and the investment opportunities that would bring to the area.

·         Pride in Place Strategy; recommending to the Combined Authority and central government that the Board take on the responsibilities of a Neighbourhood Board. 

·         The new Local Plan and the call for sites; providing an opportunity for the Board to influence what happens in the future.   

RESOLVED: 

That the report be noted.

To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects and to review the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governance Performance Report.

The Board received an update on the Towns Fund projects and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governance’s Performance Report from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager.

In respect of the Town Funds project, it was reported that: 

Towns Fund Reallocation Grant – The Valley Brook Corridor had released funding due to the scope of the project being revised and £736,000 was now available for reallocation to other Towns Fund projects.  As the grant funding had to be spent by March 2028, the Chair requested that reallocation proposals be brought back to the next meeting.

Repurposing Our High Street Grant Scheme – 34 grant applications had been approved with four pending.

Royal Arcade “Meanwhile Use” – The project was targeting a completion date of late May for the hardstanding, followed by the grassed areas in June but this was weather dependent.  

Cheshire Archives – The project had been delayed due to additional works being identified.  In respect of the use of the Ice Cream Van, now being operated by Cheshire College South & West, it was requested that Board Members discuss how best to utilise this asset for different events.     

TADIC – It was noted that the building is now operated by Town Square Spaces Ltd and an official launch event was proposed for 23 June 2026, which Board Members would be invited to attend.  

Cumberland Arena – The main works were nearing completion and funding was in place for the remainder of the project, however the completion date had been pushed back to August due to additional third party works being required to be undertaken during school holidays.     

The Dome Youth Zone – A live recruitment campaign for 80 positions was to be held at the Market Hall on Friday 15 May, in advance of an expected opening date of September/October 2026.  

Pocket Parks – Works would commence at Westminster Street next week, for completion and official opening in August as part of Crewe Town Council’s summer programme.  Items for the pocket park at Valley Park had been ordered for installation over the summer with a potential combined opening event with the Valley Brook Corridor Project planned for later in the year.    

Jubilee Site / Wishing Well MUGA – Planning consent was now in place, but some pre-conditions would need to be satisfied around biodiversity net gain, which would see the contingency budget being absorbed, presenting a new financial risk.     

Mill Street Corridor – Phase 2a had been partially completed and would be opened in conjunction with the Southern Gateway and Meanwhile space when completed.  Due to voids being discovered during phase 2a works, phase 2b could no longer commence as planned due to insufficient funding and other options were being reviewed. 

Warm and Healthy Homes – As part of the works to relay paving, Highways would be removing trees imminently.  Grant scheme rules had been approved by the council.  It was reported that 52 out of 65 residents have responded to the survey, which was being used to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

To receive a Strategic Update and Devolution Update from Cheshire East Council.

The Board received a Strategic Update and Devolution Update from Cheshire East Council.

It was noted that this would be the last update on devolution, as the first meeting of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority had recently been held in Warrington. 

The Leader of the Council reported that, having attended the inaugural meeting, the Combined Authority was looking to operate as a ‘Marmot Council’, the principles of which would enable the Combined Authority to adapt and innovate its ways of working in order to turn its principles into meaningful actions e.g. leading the way with new initiatives in housing and employment to embed health equity across policies and practice. It was stated that it would be important for the Board and the Combined Authority to work together to deliver these aspirations.   

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To note any other items of business.

There was no AOB.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 05.06.2026 commencing at 09:30am.

RESOLVED:

That the date of the next meeting be confirmed as 05.06.2026 commencing at 09:30am.