Plans move forward to shape Crewe’s future growth over next 20 years

Work is moving forward on setting out the next phase of Crewe’s development and building on the major regeneration activity already delivered – supporting future ambitions for Crewe to become the ‘best small city in Europe by 2050’.

Over the past year, Crewe has seen a renewed confidence from developers and investors, with regeneration projects helping demonstrate a clearer picture of the town’s future and long-term potential. This includes new community infrastructure such as The Dome youth zone, investments in Cumberland Arena, and upgrades to several local community parks – all of which are set to complete later this year and are being delivered to help meet the needs of Crewe’s growing population.

With projects such as the £1.4bn investment in a new hospital at Leighton, major housing developments and proposed road and rail infrastructure investment also coming forward – Cheshire East Council is looking ahead and planning for how and where Crewe could thrive and grow over the next 10-20 years. 

This positive momentum follows a challenging decade for Crewe, during which development was affected by the pandemic, rising costs and uncertainty around major road and rail investment, including the sudden cancellation of HS2 north of Birmingham.

Following approval by its corporate policy committee this week, the council is now seeking to work in collaboration with the newly established Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority to carry out vital feasibility and masterplanning work. This will help assess Crewe’s growth opportunities and support the development of a future Crewe City Plan.

The work will explore potential improvements to infrastructure, including roads, schools and transport, and include engagement with investors and developers, helping ensure any future development is well planned and coordinated and delivers the greatest benefit for the town and its local communities.

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its corporate policy committee, said:

“Crewe has already benefited from significant investment and regeneration over the last few years, and we’re now planning what comes next.

“With confidence in the town returning and major opportunities coming forward, including the new hospital at Leighton, it’s a really exciting time. The work we now wish to carry out is about looking beyond just the town centre and individual schemes and planning for the town’s future in a joined‑up way.”

A report on next steps and progress will be brought back to Cabinet within the next 12 months.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of the council and vice chair of the corporate policy committee, said:

“A key piece of our long-term plans is Crewe Railway Station and the area around it. This includes our plans to upgrade the A500 between Meremoor Moss roundabout, near Weston, and the station.

“Crewe’s 360-degree connectivity remains a huge asset, and planning how the station, town centre and surrounding areas work together will be key in supporting future growth and regeneration.”

The council’s aspirations for Crewe will be showcased at this year’s UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds from 19-21 May. The leader and deputy leader of the council, along with council officers, will be attending alongside colleagues from the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority and will be exhibiting on stand H20 at the Royal Armouries.

The deputy leader, Cllr Gorman, also spoke at the recent ‘The Future of Crewe’ conference, promoted by the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, and attended by more than 100 local businesses and community representatives. 

He outlined the Crewe360 project, including ambitious plans for the station and its surrounding quarter, as well as noting the new major investment and development opportunities in Crewe as it transitions to city status.

Pictured - The Dome Youth Zone.