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 Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager, and individual project sponsors.
The Board were updated that project leads have been advised of the proposed Town Funds reallocations. A report reflecting the Board’s recommendations would be taken to the Council’s Economy and Growth Committee of approval on 10 March 2026.
Valley Brook – The three off-road aspects of the project were being developed – Tipkinder Park (path improvements, bridge works, Queens Park Car Park), Valley Park (path widening and resurfacing, play space improvements) and land off Wistaston Road (improved green space, path levelling). It was noted that the project aimed to be completed by March 2027, and there may be a balance of funds available which could be further reallocated to other projects, which may be available by April 2026.
Repurposing Our High Streets Grant Scheme – St Paul’s Centre and Biurokrat CRW have opened since the previous meeting, with Smash on Crewe opening in February 2026. There were three additional case studies to be published. It was noted that other town centre businesses had closed, or were closing shortly, but several new store openings were in the pipelines, however not eligible for grant funding.
Cheshire Archives - Works were progressing and cladding work was continuing. The power supply was now connected.
The Dome Youth Zone – Forecasting to be complete in July 2026, with an eight-week fit-out and to be operational from October 2026. The main stage of staff recruitment would commence in May 2026, with a DWP-supported recruitment event. The additional funding reallocation would allow for landscaping and outdoor social space to relate to its use by young people, dedicated exam and study room gym enhancement and adaptive equipment and enhanced safeguarding access systems.
Crewe Youth Club - The Board had recently approved a reallocation of funds to the Youth Club towards items previously value-engineered out due to budget pressures; however they had since requested that one of these items, air conditioning, by removed from the list, and that the funding was instead used to support the costs of photovoltaic battery storage, as this enhancement would substantially reduce the club’s running costs.
Cumberland Arena – Plasterwork and M&E was under way and strange containers had been relocated. The legal matters with SPEN had been agreed, subject to formal sign-off and sub-station works were underway, with connection programmed for March 2026. The planning application for the external staircase had been submitted, and a decision was expected in early March 2026. The forecast for completion had been delayed to July 2026 because of the additional stair works. Social value benefits were linked with Brierley Street School and Men in Sheds.
Pocket Parks - Outdoor table tennis tables were being installed at Lime Tree Avenue and Greendale Gardens with final planting later in the year. The replacement equipment at Derby Docks was now available for use. Ther had been a delay in the procurement of play equipment at Westminster Street and Valley Park, but it was expected to be installed in late spring / early summer 2026, with final planning later in the year. Opening events for the parks would be planned as part of Crewe Town Council’s Summer Programme.
Warm and Healthy Homes – CCTV drains survey had been completed and shared with Highways who have agreed to relay paving on the adopted highway before the main project repaints. Questionnaires would be sent to residents to gauge their interest / commitment and financial position. Main works were expected to be completed by June 2027.
Jubilee Site / Wishing Well – The planning consent was in place, but required pre-commencement conditions to be satisfied – biodiversity net gain, ecological enhancements plan and infiltration testing.
Mill Street Corridor - Completion expected in May 2026. Feasibility studies surrounding Phase 2b were being considered.
Royal Arcade Phase 2 Meanwhile Use – Hardstanding to be completed by 31 March 2026, although grassed areas may require longer to establish before being open to the public.
RESOLVED:
The Board agreed to support the request from the Crewe Youth Club to support the photovoltaic battery storage.
It was noted that there would be a large number of milestones being achieved in 2026 with a number of projects completing, and comms and site visits should be planned.
That the updates be noted.