Latest Crewe town centre regeneration project completes

Work to transform a key area of Crewe town centre has been completed and opened up to the public earlier today (Monday 28th April) – the latest step in the town’s regeneration journey.

The former library and Civic Centre car park site has been cleared and completely revamped into new public space that features seating areas, trees, flower beds and lighting – creating an improved and more attractive route for those walking between the Lifestyle Centre, Memorial Square and the Market Hall. 

A new two-storey entrance to the Crewe Magistrates Civil and Family Courts and a new 31-space short-stay car park have also been delivered.

The project is supported by funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund and Towns Fund, as well as funding from Cheshire East Council.

The new space will eventually provide the attractive setting for one of two new facilities in Cheshire that will co-host the region’s extensive archives – construction of which started earlier this year.

Councillor Michael Gorman, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said:

“It is clear to see just how much this key area of the town centre has been transformed and it’s now a really welcoming and enhanced space for people to spend time or walk through.

“It’s all part of our vision to provide more reasons for people to visit the town centre and to want to stay for longer.

“This project is part of our wider plans to improve the route for people walking or cycling between the railway station and town centre. 

“Other projects include the Southern Gateway scheme, which is nearing completion and will create a new route for people walking or cycling between High Street and the Lifestyle Centre. We also have plans for significant improvements to Mill Street.Cllr Gorman added:

“We hope the new car park will be welcomed, in particular, by those visiting the Lifestyle Centre, Market Hall or Lyceum Theatre. Once final checks have been completed over the coming weeks, four electric vehicle charging points will also be available.

“Having this new car park, as is the case with the multi-storey car park, gives us the capacity so that we can free up some of our other car parks and move forward with a range of exciting development projects over the next few years.”

HMCTS North West delivery director Jane Wignall said:

“We welcome the completion of the new two-storey entrance at the court, which improves the visibility of our building and creates a welcoming approach for court users while contributing to the broader regeneration of the town.”

The area of the site that runs alongside Prince Albert Street remains cordoned off as construction of the new archives centre continues.

The facility – which is due to open to the public in summer 2026 – is part of the ‘Cheshire’s archives: a story shared’ project, which will give greater access to the archives, engage, and inspire communities, and preserve the collections for future generations. 

The project is being led by both Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council, and a second archives centre will be based at Hoole in Chester.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, lead for archives at Cheshire East Council, said:

“The two archive centres will make discovering local history easy and exciting and people will be able to explore collections dating back 1,000 years.

“From maps, personal letters and photographs and beyond, the archives bring Cheshire’s story to life.

“Now that work has been completed to provide the attractive setting for the centre in Crewe, I very much look forward to seeing the building come out of the ground and to it opening up its doors to residents and visitors alike.”