Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Andy Butler, Councillor Nick Mannion, and Graham McKnight.

** 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.

Kate Blakemore declared an interest in relation to Agenda Item 4 - Towns Fund Performance Update.

As the representative for Her-Place, it was noted that the organisation's high street premises were being repurposed under the Repurposing Our High Streets grants scheme.  A lease had been established, with opening planned for the end of June 2026.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 1 May 2025.

Item deferred.

To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.

The Board received an update from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager.

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

·       RAG Status - changes had been applied to two projects: History Centre (from green to amber due to time); and the Jubilee project (part of Pocket Parks) (from amber to red due to cost).  All other ratings remained unchanged.

·       Funding Reallocation - following the revised scope of the Valley Brook Corridor project, £736k had been made available for reallocation.  Previous proposals covering Warm and Healthy Homes, High Streets, Youth Zone, and Youth Clubs totalled £357k.  This, and the remaining circa. £379k, could be used to address budget pressures, including within Warm and Healthy Homes, The Dome Youth Zone, and the Jubilee project.  No decisions on funding expenditure had been made at this stage.

·       Cumberland Arena - potential funding to extend the project to include an upgrade to the athletics track could be considered.  However, cost estimates were based only on initial feasibility work and required further validation.  External funding sources were also being explored, although there remained a risk that the Council would be unable to underwrite any additional cost increases.  The current  anticipated completion date for the current approved works was September 2026.

·       Future Projects / Funding - further work was ongoing on Royal Arcade Phase 3 and the wider Crewe regeneration plan, although the associated funding requirements were not yet fully defined.  Greater clarity on options and evidence to support decisions was expected ahead of the July Board meeting; however, not all projects were likely to have confirmed cost certainty by that stage.  The Board placed a strong emphasis on obtaining firm costings by July to enable decision-making.  Concerns were raised in relation to delays, inflation, and risk of funding being used to cover overruns rather than deliver on projects.

·       Repurposing Our High Street Grants - 34 grants had been approved; 31 businesses had opened.  Her-Place planned to open at the end of June 2026.  In relation to Health on the High Street, engagement with the NHS was ongoing to develop a town centre presence, which would complement the new hospital plans and align with the requirements of the ICB.  Consideration was given to the grant conditions in relation to businesses that had ceased trading.

·       ‘Meanwhile’ Uses - works were completing on the cleared site next to the new bus station and car park, with hardstanding due in early June 2026.  Discussions were ongoing regarding summer community activities.  The scheme was expected to operate for 3-5 years and was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

·       History Centre - following delay, a Spring 2027 opening was now anticipated.

·       TADIC - an opening event had been scheduled for 23 June 2026; all Board Members had been invited.

·       The Dome Youth Zone - the project was on track for July 2026 completion; an additional funding request was expected due to cost overruns.  A very successful recruitment event was held on 15 May 2026.

·       Pocket Parks - works  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

To receive a report on the Crewe Town Board and the Future of Crewe.

The Vice-Chair presented a report outlining a proposed future vision and framework for Crewe.  The document aimed to capture key issues, reflect recent developments (including the emergence of the City of Crewe concept), and set out a forward-looking approach as the Towns Fund programme neared completion.

The Board welcomed the paper as a comprehensive and useful synthesis, highlighting the importance of aligning emerging plans, such as the Council’s city vision, local plan, and wider regeneration activity - with community, partner, and stakeholder engagement.  The need to ensure clear communication, simplicity of vision, and strong local buy-in was emphasised, together with need to link this framework to other reform plans – such as for education and employment.  It was suggested that specific reference to young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETS) be incorporated into the document.

Consideration was given to Pride in Place, including funding requirements and eligibility criteria.

It was noted that Crewe was at a critical point, with significant opportunities including growth projections, the new hospital development, combined authority arrangements, and potential funding streams.  It was also observed that a number of projects had been initiated, paused, revisited, and paused again.  Members stressed the importance of co-ordinated, forward planning to manage growth, address inequality, and ensure sustainability of future investment.  Reference was made to the new Local Plan that would assist with this.  The Plan would be presented to Council in June 2028; to the Secretary of State in September 2028; and implemented in March 2029.

Discussion highlighted the need for clearer project pipelines; strong engagement with the Combined Authority and local mayoral candidates; continued awareness raising; and the use of local expertise (including business and sector groups) to inform future plans.  It was suggested that the Chair and Vice-Chair meet with the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holder to discuss such matters as the Members’ portfolio and the work of the Crewe Town Board.  It was also suggested that the Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) be invited to a future meeting; and that engagement with mayoral candidates takes place once they have been fully confirmed.

The Board agreed the importance of transitioning its role towards shaping future strategy and acting as a key forum bringing together public, private, and community sectors.

Subject to formal ratification at the next quorate meeting, those Members present agreed to adopt the Crewe Town Board and the Future of Crewe report (subject to the inclusion of a specific reference to NEETS).

RECOMMENDED: 

1.    That the decision to approve the report be formally ratified at the next quorate meeting.

2.    That the information, as presented, be noted.

To receive a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

The Board received a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

Feedback from the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) was provided to Members.  It was indicated that the Cheshire and Warrington presence at the event was reported as highly positive, with strong engagement, a high level of activity, and numerous conversations with potential partners and investors taking place.  While immediate outcomes were not yet measurable, it was noted that the event supported the development of relationships and future opportunities, with follow-up activity ongoing, including inviting interested parties to visit Crewe and explore potential investment.

The Board discussed how engagement at such events was translated into tangible outcomes, with officers confirming that ongoing relationship-building and follow-up visits were key to progressing opportunities, despite not all enquiries leading to development.

Key messages from the UKREiiF event included the importance of residential-led town centre regeneration, alongside the recognition that viability challenges often required public sector intervention or gap funding.

An update was also provided on Rail House, where potential development interest was emerging; further information was awaited.

It was confirmed that attendance at a forthcoming rail property event in London (23 June 2026) would be clarified.

The Board noted the update and the importance of continued engagement with investors, partners, and best practice to support regeneration objectives.

RECOMMENDED: 

That the updates be noted.

To note any other items of business.

The Board considered its future work programme and upcoming agenda items.  It was indicated / suggested that:

·       A BID Update would be presented to the Board at the July meeting.

·       A Highways officer could be invited to a future meeting to discuss traffic management in the town centre.

·       An update on the redevelopment of Leighton Hospital, following the submission of planning applications, would be useful.

·       A list of potential future projects (‘pipeline’ or ‘on the shelf’) be provided.

The Board was advised that a Town of Culture 2028 bid had been submitted and a decision was awaited.

RECOMMENDED: 

That the updates be noted.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 03.07.2026 commencing at 09:30am.

RECOMMENDED: 

That the date of the next meeting be confirmed as 03.07.2026 commencing at 09:30 a.m.