Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Board members Councillor Jill Rhodes, Kate Blakemore, Andy Butler and Paul Coleman. Apologies we also received from Lindsey Lewis and Richard Kenny.

** Quorum**

In the absence of a quorum and given the business to be transacted, it was agreed by those present to proceed with the items on the agenda on an informal basis. Any decisions would be formally considered at the next quorate meeting of the Crewe Town Board.

To receive any declarations of interest.

Councillor Mannion declared an interest in relation to Item 5 - Playgrounds Fund as he has also submitted a proposal for a park within his ward.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 July 2026

As the meeting was not quorate, approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2026 was deferred to the next meeting.

To receive an update on the proposed A500 Corridor Improvements

The Board received a presentation on the proposed A500 Corridor Improvements Scheme, including active travel improvements, highway enhancements and proposals for a new station entrance at Crewe Railway Station.

The Board discussed:

• The impact of additional crossings on traffic flow.
• Balancing active travel objectives with access by car.
• The need for robust transport, health and economic impact assessments.
• Public transport provision and future modal shift.
• Improvements to the Crewe Station environment and wider public realm.
• Crewe's role as a strategic rail hub and future connectivity opportunities.

Officers advised that public consultation would take place between September and October 2026 and that progression of the scheme remains subject to Department for Transport funding approval.

The Board received an update on the Government Playgrounds Fund. They were advised that a public consultation is underway to determine priority sites and were asked to share the feedback link with their networks. Potential sites had been identified based on condition, usage levels and previous community feedback.

 Future maintenance arrangements and opportunities to attract additional funding were discussed. Officers confirmed that Government guidance had directed the funding towards Crewe.

The Board welcomed the proposals and requested that consultation outcomes be shared when available.

To receive an update on Towns Fund Performance.

The Board received an update on the Performance of the Towns Fund.

Key updates included:

• Continued progress under the Repurposing Our High Streets programme.
• Opening of the Meanwhile Space.
• Good progress on the Cheshire Archives project.
• Continued growth in usage at Crewe Youth Club.
• Progress at Cumberland Arena and The Dome Youth Zone.
• Delivery of Pocket Parks, Valley Brook Green Corridor and Warm and Healthy Homes projects.

The Board were advised that the recent Towns Fund reallocation to the refurbishment of the Cumberland Arena, Athletics track had been confirmed and was being promoted, initial feedback was that this news had gone down very well with residents.

Ongoing maintenance issues were also discussed, including the area behind the youth Zone and vandalism incidents at local parks.

To receive a strategic update from Cheshire East Council.

Peter provided an update on the disposal of Flag Lane Baths and advised that Cheshire Leisure had been identified as the preferred purchaser.

The Board also received updates regarding:

• Progress on devolution and the future Combined Authority.
• Potential future transport and infrastructure powers.
• Cheshire East Council's financial position and SEND deficit arrangements.

To note any other items of business.

Members noted:

• The new mural at Crewe Bus Station.
• Environmental improvements delivered by Crewe BID.
• The appointment of IHP as principal contractor for the new Leighton Hospital programme with a supplier engagement event scheduled for 29 September 2026.
• Ongoing discussions relating to the future hospital site, Christie services and innovation opportunities.
• A forthcoming Community Wellbeing Event organised by the Samaritans.

The Chair reminded the Board of the importance of attending future meetings to ensure the Board is quorate.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 04.09.2026 commencing at 09:30am.

The next meeting of the Crewe Town Board will be held on: Friday 4 September 2026 at 9.30am.