Mural installed for new arts space on Lyceum Square

Works to transform Crewe’s Lyceum Square into an exciting events and performance space are beginning to take shape.

The scheme – called Ly² – will see the centre of Lyceum Square becoming a mixed-use space to host events, festivals, performances, and activities throughout the year.

As well as a new raised events stage with an integrated digital screen, the scheme includes colourful and multi-functional street furniture and improvements to key gateways into the square. Part of these improvements has seen the design and installation of an eagle mural – the first artworks to appear as part of the enhancement of the square. 

The mural has been applied to the southern market shed known as the ‘Crewe Central’ venue, which is operated by the Crewe Market Hall team. The eagle mural will sit next to the floor art on the Northern market shed designs, which are being installed later this month. 

The eagle mural created by artists We are Culla references the heritage of the town and the four historic cast iron eagles that are located across the town. It fits with the vibrant colour palette for Ly² , and that resonates with the Crewe branding.

Peter Skates, Cheshire East Council’s director of growth and enterprise, said: “This is a great scheme, which will make such a positive difference to an area already well served by the arts community with the Lyceum Theatre and the Market Hall, which regularly hosts music and cultural events. 

"Having a multi-use arts space will have a positive knock-on effect to not only the theatre and the market hall but will also encourage further footfall into the town centre.”

Doug Kinsman, chair of Crewe Town Board, said: “Ly²  is a transformative project for Crewe’s town centre and I am really looking forward to seeing how this space will be used by the community going forwards. 

“This is going to be a brilliant hub for artists and musicians to showcase their work and will be a great area to host regular events and cultural activities.”

The vision for Ly²  was developed by the Crewe Cultural Forum – a collaboration of more than 100 residents, organisations and businesses in Crewe – and it aims to enhance the setting of the Lyceum Theatre and Crewe Market Hall and create a cultural heart for the town centre.

Crewe Town Board was allocated £750,000 from the government’s Accelerated Towns Fund for an improvement scheme for the Lyceum Square and adjacent areas. The Ly²  project is being delivered by Cheshire East Council and overseen by Crewe Town Board with Crewe Town Council also a key partner.

Live events will start on Ly² in June.