Plans under consideration to revitalise Crewe

Cheshire East Council is considering plans to revitalise Crewe town centre, which include the redevelopment of the Royal Arcade site, refurbishment of the Market Hall, and investment into public realm.The proposals represent £48.3m of investment in total. A report to cabinet that is due to go before members on 12 September 2017 seeks to enter into a development agreement with Peveril Securities, part of the Bowmer and Kirkland Group, and its development manager Cordwell Property Group to transform the Royal Arcade site and create a mixed-use leisure and retail scheme.The proposed development is expected to include a new eight-screen cinema, gym, restaurants and shops. It would also feature a new bus station and 450-space multi-storey car park, both of which would be funded and owned by Cheshire East Council.To push ahead with the regeneration plans, the cabinet report seeks approval to invest almost £15m of council funding alongside the allocation of £10m of funding from Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, which the council hopes to secure later this month. A further £23.6m of private sector investment would be drawn in for the commercial elements of the plans.While the Royal Arcade proposals represent the most significant council regeneration initiative in Crewe, it is just one component of the plans to transform the town centre. Cabinet members are being asked to consider proposals for investment into the public realm, including the design of pedestrian areas, street furniture, event space and lighting, as well as alternative options for the future of Crewe’s markets.The council is currently working alongside Crewe Town Council in considering plans for the Market Hall. Subject to consultation, this could see the building remodelled and refurbished with a focus on independent food retailers, cafes and eateries as well as having flexibility for themed evening events.In a linked report being considered at the same meeting, members will be asked to support the development of proposals for a history centre.