Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Simon Yates, Andy Butler, Connor Naismith MP, Ian Moston and Doug Kinsman.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interests from Members.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 09.01.2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 9 January 2026 be approved as a correct record.

To recive an update on the Indices of Deprivation in Crewe.

The Board received an update on the indices of deprivation in Crewe.

It was noted that Crewe had three of its “super output areas” fall into the top 10% of the most deprived areas in the country, and Crewe continued to account for most of the significant deprivation changes in Cheshire East and contained most of the lower super output areas in the top 20% of the indices for Cheshire East.

It was noted that the most deprived areas were within the Crewe Central zones and that all results were relative. Between 2019 and 2025, three super output areas had moved into the top 20%, and three super output areas had moved out of the top 20% of most deprived areas within Crewe. It was noted that the factors leading to the deprivation were linked to education, skills, training, health, disability, employment and crime.  

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To receive an update on the progress of the Leighton Hospital Redevelopment.

The Board received an update on the progress of the Leighton Hospital redevelopment.

It was noted that the current hospital had a large footprint, with excessive travel and distances and disconnect between acute services, large amount of the building does not meet Healthcare Building technical standards, was clinically and operationally very inefficient, had poor navigation and access to natural daylight.

It was noted that within the last 12 months, several key milestones had been achieved, such as the new electrical substation commencing, outline planning applications submitted, digital technology advancements, and engagement with local communities.

It was noted that the new hospital would be around 100,000 square meters, contain 534 inpatient beds, and would have a significantly increased footplate for emergency departments and maternity departments, with the aim of construction commencing in 2027 and be completed by 2031, with opening in 2032.

The Board were updated that the current plan was for the existing site of the hospital to become a research and innovation zone, with mixed commercial activity, accommodation, primary care functions, multistorey car park, nursery, hospice, and care centre, amongst other initiatives. It was noted that the next steps were to complete the design engagement, updates to the inclusive design strategy and the contractor allocation.

It was noted that in terms of increasing the social value of the new hospital, the would be a plan to improve health and wellbeing within the local community, protecting and improving the natural environment, making sustainable and resilient supply chains and strengthening skills, employment and inclusion and outreach to schools. The project was completing social value impact reports to record their achievements so far.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

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.

The Board were updated that project leads have been advised of the proposed Town Funds reallocations. A report reflecting the Board’s recommendations would be taken to the Council’s Economy and Growth Committee of approval on 10 March 2026.

Valley Brook – The three off-road aspects of the project were being developed – Tipkinder Park (path improvements, bridge works, Queens Park Car Park), Valley Park (path widening and resurfacing, play space improvements) and land off Wistaston Road (improved green space, path levelling). It was noted that the project aimed to be completed by March 2027, and there may be a balance of funds available which could be further reallocated to other projects, which may be available by April 2026.

Repurposing Our High Streets Grant Scheme – St Paul’s Centre and Biurokrat CRW have opened since the previous meeting, with Smash on Crewe opening in February 2026. There were three additional case studies to be published. It was noted that other town centre businesses had closed, or were closing shortly, but several new store openings were in the pipelines, however not eligible for grant funding.

Cheshire Archives - Works were progressing and cladding work was continuing. The power supply was now connected.   

The Dome Youth Zone – Forecasting to be complete in July 2026, with an eight-week fit-out and to be operational from October 2026. The main stage of staff recruitment would commence in May 2026, with a DWP-supported recruitment event. The additional funding reallocation would allow for landscaping and outdoor social space to relate to its use by young people, dedicated exam and study room gym enhancement and adaptive equipment and enhanced safeguarding access systems.

Crewe Youth Club -  The Board had recently approved a reallocation of funds to the Youth Club towards items previously value-engineered out due to budget pressures; however they had since requested that one of these items, air conditioning, by removed from the list, and that the funding was instead used to support the costs of photovoltaic battery storage, as this enhancement would substantially reduce the club’s running costs.

Cumberland Arena – Plasterwork and M&E was under way and strange containers had been relocated. The legal matters with SPEN had been agreed, subject to formal sign-off and sub-station works were underway, with connection programmed for March 2026. The planning application for the external staircase had been submitted, and a decision was expected in early March 2026. The forecast for completion had been delayed to July 2026 because of the additional stair works. Social value benefits were linked with Brierley Street School and Men in Sheds.

Pocket Parks - Outdoor table tennis tables were being installed at Lime Tree Avenue and Greendale Gardens with final planting later in the year. The replacement equipment at Derby Docks was now available for use. Ther had been a delay in the procurement of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To receive a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

The Board received a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council:

Finances – The Council would have its Budget Council meeting on 25 February 2026.

Flag Lane Baths – The alternative provision school identified for Flag Lane Baths would not secure the necessary funding from the Department for Education. Future uses or disposal of the site would be considered in due course.

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.

Shadow Combined Authority Board – The latest meeting took place on 31 January 2026 in Crewe, and discussion had been focussed on the Constitution and the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer, Nick Walkley.

To note any other items of business.

It was noted that Jasbir Dhesi had been appointed to the Business Advisory Board.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 06.03.2026 commencing at 09:30am.

That the date of the next meeting be confirmed as 06.03.2026 commencing at 09:30am.