Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Kate Blakemore, Andy Butler and Ian Moston.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interests other than those already on file.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 7 March 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7 March 2025 be approved as a correct record.

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 Charles Jarvis, Head of Economic Development, and individual project sponsors.

Cumberland Arena – A number ofissues had been identified regarding the final tender price and an internal project review was required.

The Board were presented with a number of options to progress the Cumberland Area project; to delay the project until further costings had been received, or to value engineer the project to bring it back into the budget envelope of £3.1million with options to value engineer the project to bring it back into the budget envelope. It was noted that the scope of this assessment would focus on the changing rooms and ancillary facilities.

The Board were updated that regardless of the project specification, all funding must be committed by March 2026.

Warm and Healthy Homes – Prior to the Board meeting, members of the Board had met with Cheshire East Council highways officers, and the Chair of the Railway Cottages Residents Association for a site visit. The stopping up order required resolving.

Repurposing Our High Street – The project was forecasting 24 new approvals between now and December 2026, which would deliver 38 of the 42 targeted premises. The project would expect to spend the entirety of the reduced £1.13million budget by December 2026.

History Centre / Public Realm – A breaking ground event was to be rearranged as PR for the History Centre, and also to mark completion of Phase 1 of the project.

TADIC Workspace – The physical works were nearing completion, and it was expected to open from May 2025.

Youth Zone – The project was forecasting a Spring / Summer 2026 completion / opening. Youth Zone were actively recruiting to senior leadership and admin team roles.

Youth Club – The only outstanding issue related to remedial works on Mirion Street which had an additional cost. TR Creative were supporting on PR, including an event opening which would involve young people.

Valley Brook Corridor – The project had been revised following recent feedback. The project would continue with on-road improvements based around the development of a 20mph zone on Alton Street and Electricity Street including the implementation of traffic calming measures to make it safer for pedestrians as well as cyclists, improved surfacing on pavements and carriageway, improved street scene including the introduction of sustainable drainage on Alton Street, and the provision of uncontrolled pedestrian crossings to make it safe for pedestrians to cross Electricity Street and Alton Street.

The project would also continue with off-road improvements for Tipkinder Park, Valley Park, the land southwest of Wistaston Road

It was noted that all improvements were subject to detailed design and obtainment of planning permissions / statutory consent.

Pocket parks – Final designs had been completed for Lime Tree Avenue and Samuel Street. Tree planting and play equipment was due to commence by late March. Design work had commenced for Westminster Street and Valley Brook Pocket Parks. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive an update on the Local Transport Plan for Cheshire East.

The Board received an update on the Local Transport Plan for Cheshire East from Jenny Marston, Transport Policy and Strategy Manager.

The Board were updated that the Local Transport Plan (LTP) was six weeks into its eight-week consultation period.

It was noted that the LTP was a strategic plan for the development of transport, over a set period, outlining how transport would contribute to and support the longer-term aspirations of the borough. It needed to be relevant to national, regional and local priorities relating to the economy, environment, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion.

The Board were updated that since the previous LTP has been adopted in 2019, there had been considerable change in transport movements and trends. The consultation sought views on whether Cheshire East had identified the right transport challenges and opportunities, and whether the vision, aims and priorities reflected local needs and aspirations, especially with potential devolution in Cheshire East on the horizon. It was noted that Crewe was the densest commercial bus network in the borough.  

It was noted that the new LTP would provide opportunities for the following:

-       High potential for a shift to more sustainable travel

-       Encouraged walking, wheeling, and cycling to improve public health

-       Enhanced transport network to drive economic growth

-       New technology to help meet transport needs

-       Tailored transport solutions to local areas; and

-       Collaboration with partners and the community and voluntary sector.

The new LTP had four main aims:

-       Growing the economy

-       Improved wellbeing of the community

-       Reduced environmental impact; and

-       Improved connections for all.

It was noted that the Leighton Hospital redevelopment would require reliable transport links to the wider area.

It was noted that the consultation would close of 21 April 2025, there would be a second round of consultation in autumn 2025 with approval aimed for spring 2026. The feedback would be used to develop a matrix of priorities.

The Board noted that the questionnaire could can be accessed here: Cheshire East’s Vision for Transport

RESOLVED:

The Board endorsed the LTP and noted the updates.

To receive an update on “One Crewe”.

The Board received an update on “One Crewe” from Paul Colman, Chief Executive Officer, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“One Crewe” had the focus of being Crewe’s unified voice, bringing together local business, communities and people to tell and celebrate stories, highlight success and look to the future.

The Board were updated that the One Crewe logo, badge and brand had been confirmed. It was noted that the social media platforms were going live, and there was a website being developed.

It was noted that the One Crewe Board had been established and was meeting regularly.

It was noted that there may be an issue regarding the competing brands of “One Crewe” and Crewe BID’s brand of “Discover Crewe”, and a strategy meeting would be held to establish how both brands can work collaboratively to promote Crewe’s interest and avoid any areas of conflict.

RESOLVED:

A strategy meeting would be held to resolve any issues.

That the updates be noted.

To receive a Strategic Update from Peter Skates, Director of Growth and Enterprise.

There were no significant updates.

To receive an update on devolution in Cheshire and Warrington.

The Board received an update on devolution in Cheshire and Warrington, from Peter Skates, Director of Growth and Enterprise.

The Board were updated that the Council’s Corporate Policy Committee had approved the submission of the Cheshire East’s response to the seven questions requested as part of the government consultation at its meeting on 20 March 2025, which would be submitted to the government before the consultation closed on 13 April 2025, and Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Borough Council would be submitting a similar response.

It was noted that the government had held a devolution consultation event in Crewe which was well attended by local councillors from Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Borough Council.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To note any other items of business.

Crewe Market Hall - The Board noted the continuation in reduction in footfall of the Crewe Market Hall and requested officers meet with the management company.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 02.05.2025 commencing at 09:30am.

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting be confirmed as 02.05.2025 commencing at 09:30am.