Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from John Adlen, Andy Butler, Rick Carter, Paul Coleman, Mark Hills, Guy Kilminster, Georgia Millership,  Dr Kieran Mullan, Councillor Jill Rhodes and Martin Woods.

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 4 August 2023.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the virtual meeting held on 4 August 2023 be approved as a correct record. The chair went through a list of actions from the previous virtual meeting and updated members on the status of each action accordingly.

To receive a presentation from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer and Inspector Cliff Goodwin – Crewe Beat LPU & Op Lead Safer Streets attended the meeting to answer questions Board members had in relation to anti-social behaviour around Crewe Town Centre.

In response to Board members questions Inspector Goodwin informed Board members that:-

-       In every area in Crewe Town Centre there was a police constable and PCSO assigned.

-       Although attrition rates had been significant, following government intervention, there had been an uplift in police numbers although these officers would not been seen on the streets for some time as training would be required.

-       A programme was to be introduced in April 2024 which would provide funding to each police force in respect of anti-social behaviour (ASB) for police and other agencies to be able to identify hot spots and to address those hot spots.

-       There had been challenges historically with ASB alerts but assurance was given that these were being addressed by way of training and working with partners.

-       Involvement with crime prevention officers was encouraged to aid the Secured By Design (SBD) initiative which supported the principles of “designing out crime”.

-       A review of the residents voice survey in respect of Nantwich Road would be undertaken.

-       An operation recently undertaken in Crewe focusing on ASB in Crewe Town Centre had shown a decrease in ASB reports and the reoccurrence of ASB.

-       There should be regular, informative posts on the police social media pages.

-       The suggestion of using QR codes/apps to make better use of technology and accessing the police easier would be taken back for discussion.

The Board thanked Commissioner Dwyer and Inspector Goodwin for their attendance.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

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

The board received an update from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager.

Flag Lane baths – further inflationary pressures had been identified so a value engineering exercisewas currently underway.

Cumberland arena – this had been delayed due to having to wait for the planning decision and completion would now be in March 2025.

Pocket Parks – this remained behind schedule due to the delay in receiving the FCC Communities Foundation Funding Agreements, but the completion date was still expected to be by the end of March 2024.

Crewe Youth Zone – As reported previously, a separate process was underway with theCompetition and Markets Authority to review the project to ensure that it was not being anti-competitive for the local area. An initial meeting had taken place in respect of the submission which had been positive and the final submission would be made in the next two weeks which would be followed by a critique of the submission.

Ly2 – This had benefited from events throughout the summer following its opening.

Mirion Street – There were additional VAT pressures due to VAT relief not being possible so discussions were underway in respect of options such as fundraising or value engineering.

The Jubilee Project – This would be merged in with the Pocket Parks project.

Mill Street Corridor –

-       The detailed planning application would be submitted shortly.

-       A submission had been made for UK Shared Prosperity funding to provide a form of connection from the station to the start of the Mill Street Corridor.

-       A ‘wayfinding design guide’ had been developed jointly with the Valley Brook project and Royal Arcade scheme for Crewe town centre which had received positive engagement. A presentation to Crewe Town Board members and Cheshire East Councillors would be scheduled for September prior to implementation.

History Centre Public Realm –

-       Additional Future High Street funding had been secured for the demolition phase.

Repurposing Our High Streets –

-       There had been several new applications received at stage 1 of the process, two of which had progressed to an advanced stage.

-       Discussions with property owners were progressing in respect of making visual improvements on vacant units.

Valley Brook

-       Work was underway with Design Teams for River Restoration and Active Travel Corridor and linking together to develop an overall design.

-       Further public consultation was planned for early 2024.

-       Work in respect of the Collaboration Agreement between Cheshire East Council and The Environment Agency to enable deliver was progressing.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To receive an update on Board Member recruitment and the progress on the Board structure for oversight and scrutiny, following the last meeting.

The Board received an update on the recruitment process. Board member applications would be reviewed once a Chair has been appointed. Interviews for the Chairs position are being scheduled.

Board members felt that there was some role for the local policing unit to play on the Board as it would be useful for them to be involved in discussions. This would be explored further and an update provided in due course.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

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

Peter Skates, the Director of Growth & Enterprise attended the meeting and gave a verbal update from Cheshire East Council in respect of:

Crewe Deep Dive – Crewe was one of two areas identified by the government for a piece of work to demonstrate how rail infrastructure could impact on the regeneration of town centres. The outcome of the piece of work was likely to involve master planning to get work ready should any funding become available in the future.

Flag Lane Link– The project had been completed which had created new vehicular access in to the town centre from the west of Crewe.

Southern Gateway – The project was progressing with construction to commence in early 2024.

TADIC co-working space –

-       Phased relocation, including consultation was underway of Cheshire East Council staff.

-       Refurbishment expected to commence in late 2023.

-       Engagement would take place with prospective tenants ahead of the lease being awarded in autumn 2023.

Royal Arcade – Phase 1 (Bus Station and MSCP):

-       Following recommencement of work in July completion was expected in March 2024.

-       Social value outcomes were being achieved with support for local organisations.

-       Heritage Wall had now been installed with cladding and living walls on other facades expected in autumn 2023.

Following the latest round of applications for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, 30 applications had been received across the borough, with 5 applications specifically for Crewe. All applications would be reviewed and appraised by independent appraisers, Ekosgen, and work would be completed towards the end of next month

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To receive an update from the sub-group, including further details on the progress of Marketing Crewe.

The Board received an update in respect of  the marketing Crewe vehicle with a further meeting scheduled to take place on the 13^th September to draw up a brief of what is required for a marketing Crewe vehicle. Board members were encouraged to attend and promote the meeting to colleagues.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To putforward any other itemsof business.

In response to a question raised in relation to exam performance at Cheshire College in comparison to the national benchmark, the Chief Executive of the college explained that there was a mixed performance and it would take some time to review and compare the results.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 6 October 2023 commencing at 9.30am.

RESOLVED

That the date of the next virtual meeting take place on Friday 6 October 2023 commencing at 9.30am.