Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Jasbir Dhesi.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no new or updated Declarations of Interest, other than those already on file.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 6 October 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the virtual meeting held on 6 October 2023 be approved as a correct record. The chair went through a list of action from the previous virtual meeting and updated members on the status of each action accordingly.

 To receive an update on the Towns Fund and Accelerated Funding Projects.

The board received updates from Charles Jarvis, Head of Economic Development, and individual project sponsors.

Flag Lane Baths – The main works were to commence in early 2024 and be completed in late 2024.

Cumberland Arena – Works were to start in early 2024 and completed by autumn 2025. The venue will be accredited to host regional athletics competitions.

Mill Street Corridor – The planning application was submitted week commencing 30 October 2023, with works planned to commence in summer 2024.

History Centre Public Realm – Hoardings to be fitted in late 2023, and demolition expected to start in the New Year, with the new site ready to hand over at the end of February 2024. Project due for completion in summer 2025. An agreement with the law courts needed to be signed.

Repurposing our High Streets – The procurement of artwork and marketing materials was approved, and the new Post Office was expected to open in January 2024.

Pocket Parks – To complete spring 2024, with consultation on five other sites in early 2024.

Valley Brook Green Corridor – Expected to start in late 2023, subject to planning permission and co-funding from the Environment Agency.

Youthzone – A fundraising strategy was in place and works were expected to commence January 2024 and complete in spring 2025.

Jubilee Gardens Project – Cheshire East Council was leading on the project with support of Wishing Well.

TADIC – An operator had been selected.

In Town Living – Project Adjustment Request to be submitted.

Crewe Youth Club – Planning consent had been secured and site clearance was due to commence early 2024 and complete 2025.

Adaptive Signals – Switch on was scheduled for late 2023.

Flag Lane Link – Further improvements were scheduled to be completed on Delamere Street by spring 2024.

Southern Gateway – Predicted to start onsite in early 2024 and be completed by December 2024.

Wayfinding – First installation outside new bus station / MCSP in March 2024.  

To receive an update on CEC’s position.

The Board received an update from Peter Skates, Acting Executive Director of Place.

Cheshire East Council had written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, and Rail Minister Hugh Merriman, requesting mitigations and compensation of costs already incurred by Cheshire East Council. Cheshire East Council had also asked for financial support for other regeneration projects in Crewe but were yet to receive written responses from government.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

 To receive an update from Peter Skates, the Director of Growth and Enterprise.

The Board received an update from Peter Skates, Acting Executive Director of Place.

Crewe BID - There had been third party applications regarding development sites in Crewe. A paper scheduled for the Economy & Growth Committee in November 2023 would support the Crewe BID proposal. The proposal had been supported by several local businesses. 

Royal Arcade - A report would be going to Economy & Growth Committee in November regarding Royal Arcade future options.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To discuss the options for Crewe.

The Board received a briefing from Simon Yates (Vice Chair).

It was noted that the Crewe Town Board should explore mechanisms to promote the regeneration and developments within Crewe.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To receive an update on board recruitment.

The Board received an update from Charles Jarvis.

Sifting of applications was ongoing and applications had been informed of the delay to the process.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To receive an update on Marketing Crewe.

Paul Colman, Chief Executive of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce,

noted that the Cheshire East Council communications should be aligned with the projects which Crewe Town Board were pursuing. 

It was suggested that a Facebook Page could be used to market Crewe to a wider audience.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To put forward any other items of business.

Crewe Police Station - Discussions were ongoing with the Police regarding the Police premises in Crewe.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 1st December 2023 commencing at 9.30am.

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting take place on 1 December 2023 commencing at 9.30am.