To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.
Minutes:
The Board received an update on several of the Towns Fund Projects and Additional Programme Management updates from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager, and individual project sponsors.
The Board was updated that the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities had approved the Project Adjustment Request which was discussed at the Crewe Town Board meeting of 3 May 2024, and that the Towns Fund six-monthly performance report, which was discussed at the Crewe Town Board meeting of 17 May 2024, covering the period from September 2023 – March 2024, had been submitted to the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities.
Crewe Youth Zone – The Pre-Construction Services Agreement was in place with Caddick Construction and the Stopping Up Order had been approved and notices erected. The lease, agreement for lease, grant agreement and operation agreement between Cheshire East Council and Crewe Youth Zone / Onside had been agreed, however there were continued issues with relation to utility companies. The Oak Street carpark closure process was now underway and was expected to be completed by 28 June 2024, when it would be given over to Onside. Comms / PR were being planned around the groundbreaking event. Engagement with schools would take place prior to 2024 summer holidays.
Mill Street Corridor – Detailed designs were being developed and Cheshire East Council were seeking out how best to make the most effective use of the project to minimise costs and accelerate delivery.
Way Finding – The first installation had been completed outside the new bus station and Multi-Story Car Park, with others scheduled for the Southern Gateway and Mill Street Corridor.
Warm and Healthy Homes – A contractor was to be appointed. So far 25 of 65 properties had signed up and the project was aiming to complete by winter 2025.
History Centre and Public Realm – The main dismantling and demolition had been completed with construction works for the Public Realm to start on 1 July 2024 and complete in October 2024. The History Centre works were expected to commence in September 2024. By the end of July 2024, outcome of any successful National Lottery or other funding bids would be known.
Valley Brook Green Corridor – Finalisation of the route via Utility Street was ongoing. Working with landscape architects, the main works were expected to begin in late 2024, subject to planning permission and co-funding from the Environment Agency.
Lyceum Square – Outstanding works related to the lighting and recladding had been delayed but expected to be rectified shortly.
Repurposing Our High Streets – Vinyl artwork had been installed on some of the vacant premises, and Cheshire East Council was exploring how to facilitate adaptation of empty premises for “pop-up” uses. The High Street Rental Auction Trailblazer Programme had been delayed due to General Election scheduled for 4 July 2024. The Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities was interested and supported the High Street Rental Auction Legislation. Several new premises in the town centre have, or will shortly, open – XO Hair and Beauty, 22 Work Wear, Studio Fresh, Bobobo, Oden Lounge, Ice & Fire and OSO GO.
Flag Lane Baths – The Crewe Town Board Sub-Group met with Always Ahead on 22 May 2024 and discussed the costings and outlined proposals. The Sub-Group would meet with Always Ahead again when they had collated the required information. Fundraising was on hold until costs had been confirmed and a specialist fundraiser was in place.
Crewe Youth Club – The tendering for the main works contract had been completed. Three applications for further funding had been successful, with £15,000 from Cheshire East Council’s Green Fund (UK Shared Prosperity Fund), £150,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation and £300,000 from the Community Ownership Fund, however a funding gap remained – phasing / value-engineering approaches may need to be considered. Works due to start by early July 2024 and complete by spring 2025. It was noted that the Mirion Street project had received no funding from sports facilities / enterprises.
Cumberland Arena – The contractor was in the process of being procured via Cheshire East Council’s medium value framework.
Pocket Parks – Designs for Samuel Street and Lime Avenue would be shared shortly, with consultations with residents to take place.
Jubilee Project – A funding gap had been addresses by a Project Adjustment Request and a charitable donation. Public consultation was to commence shortly, focussing on lighting and noise.
*Adaptive Signals – The “switch on” had been completed and a further funding bid had been submitted to the Department for Transport to expand the scope and coverage of the project.
*Flag Lane Link – The main scheme had been completed, but a replacement crossing was still to be delivered during summer 2024.
*Southern Gateway – Ancillary works expected to commence on 10 June 2024 and complete in early 2025.
*Projects not funding through the Town’s Fund.
RESOLVED:
It was requested that it would be useful for the Board to have feedback on how the existing Towns Fund Projects have been received by the public / residents.
That the updates be noted.