Plans for temporary use of Royal Arcade site to go on display

Plans will go on display this week that give options for how the Royal Arcade site in Crewe town centre could be opened back up to the public and transformed into a space for all to enjoy.

The remainder of the Royal Arcade development site, which borders Victoria Street and Queensway, is currently fenced off and the council is continuing to explore longer-term plans for the space. 

This Friday 28th March, at Crewe Market Hall, the council will be displaying plans for how the space could be brought back into temporary use later this year and is asking local people to share their views on how it could look and be enjoyed.

The improvements to the site will be supported by funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its economy and growth committee, said:

“Since the opening of the town’s new bus station and multi-storey car park last year, our focus has remained on securing a long-term future for the rest of the development site and we continue to make good progress on that.

“We recognise that the site as it is now is not a welcoming space for visitors to the town centre, and that residents and businesses want to see it transformed.

“That is why – while we continue to look at the long-term plans – we also have plans for ‘meanwhile uses’ of the site, which we hope will bring more people into the town centre, support existing businesses and give confidence to potential investors.

“Our wish is to open the land back up to the public as soon as we’re able to, and we hope that will be by the end of the year.

“We plan to grass over sections of the site, put in a new footpath with lighting that connects the bus station and multi-storey car park with the corner of Victoria Street and Queensway, and put in paved areas where events and activities could take place.The current safety fencing around the site will be replaced with lower-level wooden fencing.

“We also have plans for the wider ‘look’ of the space and how it can be used – and that’s where we’d really like local people to help shape the final proposals.

“Later this week, we’ll be presenting the proposed layout of the space and asking people to share their views on options for seating, gates and the types of recreational features and activities that could take place there – play features or a half-court basketball court, for example. 

“I encourage people to go along to the Market Hall and share their thoughts and ideas as we are keen to ensure that the plans reflect what local people want and need and that it’s a space that all ages can enjoy.”

The plans will be on show at Crewe Market Hall between 11am and 2pm on Friday 28th March.

An online feedback form will be open from noon on Wednesday 26th March until Wednesday 9th April.