Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Tony Davison (Chair), Councillor Nick Mannion, Andy Butler, Lindsay Lewis, and Dr Kieran Mullan MP.

Board Member Sally Hepton left the meeting at 11:30, at the beginning Item 8, which resulted in the Board attendees falling below the quorum level. As a result and, in line with the Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference, the meeting carried on as an Informal Discussion and no Formal Decisions were made.

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 3 November 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 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 Daniel Lindsay, Ekosgen, and individual project sponsors, on several the Towns Fund Projects.

Flag Lane Baths – The Concrete Repair Survey had been complete which indicated that the building was stable. Construction was scheduled to being in January 2024, with completion October - December 2024.

Cumberland Arena – The planning application had been approved, and the projected had been re-costed to be affordable within the adjusted budget. The target delivery date was September 2025.

Mill Street Corridor – The planning permission was expected February 2024, with completion by September 2025.

History Centre Public Realm – Development agreement with the Courts had been completed and the project was working to a September 2025 completion date.

Crewe Warm and Healthy Homes – A dedicated Project Manager had been confirmed.

Repurposing our High Streets – A project manager was now in place, and the first grants had been awarded, and a marketing and communications agency was in place. A number of market units had recently been put up for sale by the owner.

Pocket Parks – Two projects were almost finished, with another two scheduled to finish in early 2024. Public consultation would begin in the New Year for the next stage.

Valley Brook Green Corridor – Surveys were underway, and the project team were exploring alternative routes to avoid building on a United Utilities pumping station. The Environment Agency were hoping to start river works in the New Year.

Youthzone – The site had been cleared and the related Public Rights Of Way amendment had recently been approved at Highways & Transport Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To review the sixth-monthly submission form.

The Board received a briefing from Daniel Lindsay, Ekosgen, and Jez Goodman, on the six-monthly Crewe Towns Fund Performance Monitoring Form. All projects were expected to be completed by 31 March 2026 and significant progress had been made across a number of projects linked to their planning approvals, design, development and costing.

A Repurposing Our High Streets grant had awarded its first grants and the Pocket Parks projects had started work on the first four projects.

The Government decision to cancel HS2 north of Birmingham was having a significant effect on confidence in Crewe from perspective residents, businesses, and investors – the Council and partners were seeking support from the Government to help mitigate this.

The importance of progression and openness between Cheshire East Council, Crewe Town Board and Partners was noted.

RESOLVED:

That the DLUHC Performance Monitoring Form be approved by the Board.

To receive an update on Marketing Crewe.

The Board received an update on Marketing Crewe from Paul Colman, Chief Executive of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

A PR Officer had been appointed who will be creating a plan, strategy, and mission for Marketing Crewe.

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, on HS2, Royal Arcade, and Crewe BID.

As a result of the letter sent from Cheshire East Council to Central Government regarding the cancel HS2 north of Birmingham, it was noted that the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, had written to Kieran Mullan MP, and Cheshire East Council had also received a letter from MP Huw Merriman, which lead to a phone call with Cheshire East Council Leadership. There was commitment from Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Department for Transport, to work with Cheshire East Council to mitigate the effects.

Regarding Royal Arcade, it was noted that further engagement will take place on the Phase 2 site.

The Crewe BID gained approval and will be progressed.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To receive an update on the Living Well in Crewe report.

The Board received a briefing from Dr Matt Atkinson, Public Health Consultant, on the Living Well in Crewe report and the Crewe JSNA.

It was noted that there are opportunities in the Centre of Crewe to host medical facilities. 

RESOLVED:

That the update and recommendations be noted.

To review an update on the Sports Fund announcement.

The Board received a briefing from Guy Kilminster, Head of Health Improvement, on the Sports Fund.

It was noted that two Cheshire East Wards will be in receipt of funding.

RESOLVED:

That the briefing be noted.

To receive an update following Police announcement and the Muse consultation.

The Board received a briefing from Steve McGlade and David Macneilage, Cheshire Constabulary, on the new Basford development to accommodate the new Policing provision, including CSI and other ancillary works.

It was noted that there would still be a Crewe Town Centre premises, but on a smaller scale, to assist with the patrol of the Town Centre, and to host the helpdesk.

It is hoped that the new premises would also be able to house the team who are currently located in Winsford and would be completed building end of 2026.

It was noted that the importance of the communications surrounding the rationale of the premises move be explained clearly to Crewe residents.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To put forward any other items of business.

Councillor Rhodes provided an update on the consultation on the Cheshire Archives Brand and informed the Board that a Naming Strategy would be held in early December 2023.

It was noted that John Adlen would be leaving Crewe Town Board on 31 December 2023.

To note future items for agendas:

February 2024

Review of Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference (10 Minutes)

To annually review, make any amendments and approve the Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference.

To note future items for agendas:

February 2024:

Review of Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference (10 Minutes)

To annually review, make any amendments and approve the Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference.

RESOLVED:

That the future items be noted.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 2nd February 2024 commencing at 9.30am.

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting take place on 2 February 2024 commencing at 9.30am.