Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Simon Yates, Ian Moston, Jasbir Dhesi, Andy Butler, Connor Naismith MP and Councillor Nick Mannion.

To receive any declarations of interest.

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

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 05.09.2025.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 05.09.2025 be approved as a correct record.

To receive an update and discuss amendments to the Crewe Town Board Terms of Reference.

The Board received an update on several of the Towns Fund Projects and programme Management updates from Chris Jackson, Senior Regeneration Officer, and individual project sponsors.

Repurposing Our High Street – There were now 26 approved applications, with two recent approved in the shopping centre and on Market Street. The former Burton’s site now had approval in principle to be converted into a creative hub for Crewe Creates.

Cheshire Archives – Cladding and interior work would be completed by Mary 2026, with the site expected to open September 2026.

TADIC – The operator was expected to take over the running of the site in the coming weeks.

Youth Zone – Expected to complete in summer 2026. Hoarding issues were being looked in to.

Youth Club – The building and entrance was operational, with some snagging to complete.

Cumberland Arena – Progress was being made on the steel works, was well and the drainage and decking, work was commencing on the brickwork. The lease for the on-site substation was underway. The site was expected to be complete by March 2026.

Valley Brook Corridor – The river restoration would be commenced in 2026, and a new accessible footpath in the park was being planned.

Pocket Parks – Lime Tree Avenue and Samuel Street pockets would have their official opening in October half term. The Westminster Street and Valley Brook parks were awaiting the completion of the consultation. Board members noted issues with safety, e-bikes, needles, etc. and the wider police attendance in the town but were updated that the police presence was adequate and officers were successful dealing with a large number of incidents.

Jubilee Project – The outcome of the planning application was being awaited. Cheshire East Council would need to advertise the lease of the facility.

Lyceum Square – There had been nine successful events on the square over eleven days at the end of summer, and there were five upcoming events.

Warm and Healthy Homes – The result of the CCTV drain survey were due at the end of October 2026 which would identify the scope and costs of any draining works and influence the remaining remedial works necessary and in scope.

Mill Street Corridor – A meeting with BT Openreach was expected regarding the shallow cables which ran through the site. A meeting with the LLFA and United Utilities would be held regarding drainage on site.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To receive a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

To Board received a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

Royal Arcade – The Board were updated that The Board were updated that the Royal Arcade Phase 2 planning application had been submitted and would include the provision of street lighting throughout the town centre, to provide illuminated walkways between attractions. The Board were updated that the Royal Arcade Phase 3 plan had been approved at the September 2025 Economy and Growth Committee, and officers were now completing internal processes including business planning.

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.

The Board were updated that at the 17 September 2025 Full Council meeting, Cheshire East Council had approved the decision to become a Combined Authority for Cheshire and Warrington. Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Borough Councils had since also approved the decision.

The Board were updated that the government would now formalise the statutory instruments to be approved by Parliament and the three councils would set up a Shadow Combined Authority, with the Combined Authority to be in place by May 2026, with Mayoral elections in May 2027.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To note any other items of business.

Crewe Heritage Walk – Board Members were invited to a Crewe Heritage Walk with Councillor Ben Wye.

Heath Street Closure – Board Members noted the benefits which could be provided by the closure of Heath Street in Crewe with regards to the Lyceum Square.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 07.11.2025 commencing at 09:30am.

That the date of the next meeting be confirmed as 07.11.2025 commencing at 09:30am.