Plans for a proposed walking and cycling route in Crewe

Plans to deliver a safe and green route for pedestrians and cyclists, which would link Crewe town centre with the railway station, will be on display later this month.

Cheshire East Council is consulting on its proposed Mill Street Corridor scheme, which is part of a package of projects being supported by the government’s Towns Fund and Crewe’s allocation of up to £22.9m of funding.

The scheme aims to deliver an improved route for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between the town centre and the existing railway station and proposed HS2 hub, as well as to deliver new and improved outdoor spaces and local amenities along the route. 

Ahead of a planning application for the scheme being submitted, the council is inviting people to attend one of two drop-in events at Crewe Market Hall.

The first event will take place on Thursday 16 February from 2-7pm, with a further event taking place on Friday 17 February from 11am-5pm. 

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “This proposed new route will link two key areas – the town centre and railway station – and make it easier for people to walk and cycle between them.

“Our plans focus on making the spaces along the route high-quality, accessible, and safe, while also supporting biodiversity and healthier lifestyles and encouraging community use.

“I encourage people who live in, visit or travel around the area to attend one of the drop-in sessions to find out more about the proposals, share their views and help shape the plans being driven forward for Crewe.”

The new pedestrian and cycling route is proposed to run along Nantwich Road, Pedley Street and Railway Street, and cut through Waverley Court and Wesley Place. 

From there it would run north along Mill Street then Brook Street towards the town centre.

Doug Kinsman, chair of Crewe Town Board, which oversees the Crewe Towns Fund programme, said: “As with all projects being supported by the Towns Fund, we want to hear from Crewe’s communities about the benefits and opportunities they want to see delivered, and so I’d encourage people to take a closer look at what is being proposed and to have their say at the drop-in events.”

The Mill Street Corridor route is planned to link up with other proposed schemes, including the Valley Brook green corridor which is also being supported by the Towns Fund and aims to connect Queens Park with Mill Street / Edleston Road via a cycling and walking route primarily through parks and open spaces.

The route would also link with the Southern Gateway Pedestrian and Cycling Connectivity Scheme – one of the projects being progressed following Cheshire East Council’s successful £14.1m bid to the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

It would create a new arrival point into the town, with a new pedestrian walkway and cycleway between High Street and the Lifestyle Centre.