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 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 end of March 2026.
Mill Street Corridor – Completed was expected in May 2026. The traffic management had been removed. Phase 2a had cost significantly more than budgeted, principally due to the discovery of voids. The contractor was being challenged over these, but it was likely that there will be insufficient funding to deliver Phase 2b. Cheshire East Council would seek to deliver some improvements to this part of the route, but it would be unlikely within next 18 months.
Southern Gateway – The official opening was likely to be in tandem with the opening of the Mill Street Corridor in May 2026.
Warm and Healthy Homes – Consultation and questionnaires were being undertaken with residents. The main works were expected to commence from September - June 2027.
The Following Projects Would Complete in 2026 –
· Royal Arcade “Meanwhile Use”
· Mill Street Corridor
· Southern Gateway
· TADIC
· Cumberland Arena
· Westminster Street Pocket Park
· Valley Brook Pocket Park
· Cheshire Archives
· Jubilee Site
· The Dome Youth Zone
RESOLVED:
That the updates be noted.