To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.
Minutes:
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 Streets Grant Scheme – A total of 25 grant applications had been approved and there were three more applications progressing. A number of businesses had opened recently: JJ Sweetz, Milk & Honey, Smash on Crewe, Crewe Optical, Biurokrat CRW and Crewe Creates CIC.
Cheshire Archive – The cladding work had commenced. A budget pressure had been identified and would likely require some value-engineering or additional funding to be secured. The Ice Cream Van rebrand, and wrapping was expected to be completed in November 2025 by Chesher College South and West.
TADIC – The venue was expected to be fully operational when operator was in place in late November.
Youth Zone – Currently forecasting opening Summer 2026, with a 12-week fit-out followed by occupation in Autumn 2026. The groundworks and steelwork had been completed, and the cladding and brickwork was ongoing. The Youth Investment Fund capital grant had been spent, and the Towns Fund grant was now being drawn down, which would be followed by a Cheshire East Council contribution in 2026 / 2027.
Youth Club – Work was ongoing to explore options for Phase 2 on the adjacent plot on the site.
Cumberland Arena – The building was expected to be watertight by mid-December 2025.
Valley Brook Corridor – The project would include some remedial work to improve the existing pedestrian bridge. An agreement had been reached with Network Rail in terms of land ownership and final cost estimates were expected shortly from Cheshire East Highways.
Pocket Parks – The Lime Tree Avenue and Greendale Gardens Pocket Parks had officially opened on 28 October and Samuel Street Pocket Park had opened on 4 November with a media release published 6 November. The final two Pocket Parks currently had tenders for play equipment which were being evaluated with expected installation from January – March 2026.
Wishing Well – Work was ongoing to address a potential pre-commencement condition related to the drainage strategy which was expected to be resolved soon so that the project could commence by March 2026. There was a potential risk of delay associated with current staffing capacity in legal and property teams.
Lyceum Square – A number of events upcoming:
9 November Remembrance Day
29 November - Christmas Light switch on
10 December - Star of Light
Warm and Healthy Homes – The report on the CCTV drains survey was being reviewed to identify any interventions required and costs, which would be shared with Cheshire East Highways. Engagement with individual property owners around the various works to their properties was ongoing and clarification of the ownership of the walls on the boundary of the sites needed to be determined. Cheshire East Highways would make safe the highways once the outcome of the survey was known and had continued responsibility for maintaining the safety of the public realm. Crewe Town Council would investigate Stopping Up orders.
Southern Gateway – The route was expected to open in November 2025.
Mill Street Corridor – Issues arising from uncovering the basements of previous buildings had been resolved, as had issues with BT Openreach. Temporary traffic lights may still be required even when works are not underway. A cost and value engineering workshop was to be held in November 2025 to plan for Phase 2.
Royal Arcade Phase 2 – Planning consent had been received for meanwhile uses on the site. The appointed contractor could be mobilised with works expected on site by November / December 2025 and be completed in March 2026. The scheme was likely to remain in place for 3 – 5 years.
RESOLVED:
That the updates be noted.