Approval given to start work on major town centre regeneration scheme

Plans for phase one of the redevelopment of Crewe’s Royal Arcade site have been approved by Cheshire East councillors – giving the green light to start work on one of the council’s most significant regeneration schemes for the town.

At a meeting of the council’s Strategic Planning Board, councillors gave approval for plans to construct a new bus station and 400-space multi-storey car park in the town centre on land bounded by Victoria Street, Queensway, Delamere Street and Lawrence Street.

They also gave approval for outline plans for phase two of the scheme – a leisure-led, mixed-use development – which would include a state-of-the-art cinema, 10-pin bowling centre, gym, restaurants, cafes and bars, retail units and public realm enhancements.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “Receiving planning approval for phase one of the Royal Arcade scheme is hugely exciting news for Crewe. 

“Not only does it mark a significant step in seeing this major scheme delivered, but it is also an integral part of delivering a much more positive future for the town and its communities.”

The approved plans for the new modern bus station, which will have 10 bays and be accessed via Delamere Street and Victoria Street, include a fully enclosed and attractive waiting area for passengers with toilet facilities.

The multi-storey car park will include electric vehicle charging spaces, solar panels and two panels of ‘living green wall’, which will be seen from Delamere Street.

Meanwhile, the public realm surrounding the new bus station and multi-storey car park will include the provision of more than 40 cycle parking spaces.

And, as part of the conditions of granting planning permission, ducting will now be incorporated into both the car park and bus station to provide additional provision for electric vehicle charging.

Cllr Mannion added: “Already this year we have seen the successful reopening of Crewe Market Hall following its transformation, and we continue to receive fantastic feedback from both customers and traders.

“Crewe has also been allocated up to £37m of funding following two successful bids to government. This funding will be used to deliver two separate packages of projects.

“Real change and investment are being seen and delivered in Crewe, which will only serve to provide confidence for further investment, new jobs and development in the town.”

So that bus services can continue to operate, the new bus station will be constructed in stages and further demolition works at the site will begin in the new year.

Both the new bus station and multi-storey car park are then due to open in summer 2023, paving the way for work to begin on phase two of the Royal Arcade scheme.

Cllr Mannion added: “Crewe’s existing bus station has long needed upgrading so that bus passengers and staff can enjoy modern and practical facilities, and so that visitors arriving into Crewe are encouraged to explore the rest of what the town centre has to offer.

“We look forward to beginning the physical works on the ground and providing a facility the town can be proud of, as well as moving forward with the second phase of the Royal Arcade scheme.”

The target date for the completion of the full scheme – which includes improvements to the public realm on Victoria Street and Queensway – is summer 2025.

The scheme is being developed by Midlands-based Peveril Securities and Cordwell Property Group. Malcolm Wilcox, director of Cordwell Property Group, said: “The council’s approval of our application displays a shared confidence in our proposals for the town centre. 

“The bus interchange , multi-storey car park and public realm works will be a catalyst for the delivery of phase two, which will provide the long-awaited regeneration of the Royal Arcade, transforming the heart of the town with a night-time economy that will provide jobs and entertainment for the residents of Crewe and the wider area.”