Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Tony Davison.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 06.02.2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous virtual meeting held on 06.02.2026 be approved as a correct record.

To receive an update on the progress of the Dome Youth Zone.

The Board received an update on the progress of the Dome Youth Zone.

The project was hoping that the building would be complete by 16 July 2026, which would be followed by a six-week fit out, ahead of a soft opening in September 2026, and a full opening in November 2026.

It was noted that the Dome was working in collaboration with the YMCA, Cheshire East Council, Bentley, Crewe Engineering and Design UTC, Crewe Alexandria Football Club, South Cheshire ABC, Crewe Creates, University of Chester and Her-Place Charitable Trust.

It was noted that the Dome was looking at several commercial opportunities. The Dome was hoping to reduce costs for users as much as possible, by charging users a subscription of £2.50 per month, which would provide users with unlimited access to the Youth Zone and include food. This would provide the Dome with a regular income, which would assist with planning and catering.

The Board were updated that the Dome was also looking to the Department for Education to fund the base costs of an Alternative Provision School with 48 places to run from the Dome during the day when the Youth Zone was not open. This would result in the Dome operating throughout the day.

It was noted that the food offer in the Dome would look to partner with a number of local organizations, including colleges to produce the food which would be served to young people.

The Board was updated that 38.8% of young people in Crewe were currently living in poverty, which equated to about 12,500 – 13,000 children. It was noted that the national target for “active” children was 67%, but in Crewe the statistics were 46% for girls and 50%for boys, and more young people in Crewe were starting and leaving primary school overweight that elsewhere in Cheshire East. It was noted that the Youth Zone was hoping to have a positive impact on this.

The Board were updated that the Dome had currently raised over £2 million and had 13 Founder Patrons, and conversations were ongoing regarding renewals. A Grants and Trusts consultant had been contracted to progress funding opportunities further.

It was noted that the Dome was available for other organisations to run their clubs / activities for young people from there at no cost.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

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 Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager, and individual project managers.

The Board were updated that it was likely that a further reallocation exercise would need to be undertaken at the May / June Board meetings, as the Valley Brook project was expected to release further funding. A report reflecting the Board’s previous reallocation decision, would be taken to the next meeting of the Council’s Economy and Growth committee on 10 March 2026 for ratification.

Repurposing Our High Street Grant Scheme – A total of 32 grant applications had been approved. Since the last meeting Chaii Mahal had opened in the Market Hall, and Smash on Crewe and GloBites Urban were due to open shortly. Three new case studies of the project had been released.

Royal Arcade “Meanwhile Use” – The project was targeting completion of the hardstanding area by mid-April 2026, although the grassed areas may take longer to establish before being open to the public. Officers were in discussion with Crewe Creates and Crewe BID regarding potential community activities on the site in the summer.

Cheshire Archives – The target for the construction to be completed was late July 2026, with a public opening September 2026. Contractors were delivering social value locally. The Ice Cream Van element of the project was awaiting updated plans for the usage.

TADIC – The building was now leased to and operated by “Town Square Spaces Ltd” who were currently recruiting a site manager. Media release would be issued shortly. Additional works were to be undertaken at the site from April – May 2026 with an opening scheduled for 23 June 2026.

Cumberland Arena – The building was now watertight, and photovoltaic panels had been installed on the roof. Legal matters with SPEN were still subject to formal sign off, and the sub-station work was nearing completion with connection programmed for March 2026. The forecasted completion had been delayed to July to accommodate the additional works. Social value links with local schools had been agreed.

The Dome Youth Zone – Sewer diversion works had been complete but S278 works were still in the process of being agreed. The existing contingency budget had been fully allocated, and additional funding to deal with any further cost pressures would need to be secured. The staff recruitment for 80 positions would commence in May 2026.

Pocket Parks – The outdoor table tennis tables had now been installed at Lime Tree Avenue. The Westminster Street and Valley Park equipment orders were ongoing and expected to be installed late spring - summer 2026. Opening events would be planned as part of Crewe Town Council’s Summer Programme.

Jubilee Site / Wishing Well – The planning consent was in place, but required pre-commencement conditions to be satisfied, which involved additional unbudgeted costs which would consume the remaining budget contingency. The final costings with a contractor were underway and expected to be in contract by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

To receive a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council.

The Board received a Strategic Update from Cheshire East Council:

Finances – The Council had agreed its budget for 2026/27 at its Full Council meeting on 25 February 2026. There were some significant transformation and saving proposals which had been identified.

Flag Lane Baths – Children’s and Family Committee agreed not to advance the option to develop the Flag Lane Baths site as an Alternative Provision School and have released the facility for development. Economy and Growth Committee on 10^th March 2026 were considering a subsequent recommendation to market and to look to dispose of the facility.

Council Governance – In line with government legislation, Cheshire East Council would move to a Cabinet System form of governance from May 2026.

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 was updated that the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority had been officially established after statutory instrument was confirmed and approved by the Secretary of State. The Chief Executive had now been appointed and the last Shadow Board was being held on 10 March 2026, ahead of the Combined Authority being fully in place in April 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the updates be noted.

To note any other items of business.

There was no AOB.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 01.05.2026 commencing at 09:30am.

That the date of the next virtual meeting be confirmed as 01.05.2026 commencing at 09:30am.