Works to start on Lyceum Square in the new year

Work will begin in January to transform Crewe’s Lyceum Square into an exciting events and performance space.

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, which will include a wall mural.

With works on phase one of the Royal Arcade – which includes a new bus station and multi-storey car park – due to reach its first major milestone on January 4, when a temporary bus station will be brought into use, this is another key moment in the regeneration of Crewe’s town centre.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee said: “2023 is going to be a huge year of positive change for regeneration in Crewe and this project, which has been very well supported by Crewe Town Council, will be an important part of that. We have a rapidly growing arts scene in Crewe and this new space can only help to enhance that.”

Site clearance will begin in the second week of January and Parkinson – the building contractor for the project – will start work later in January. Works are scheduled for completion at the end of May 2023.

Doug Kinsman, chair of Crewe Town Board, said: “Ly2 will help to further enhance this area of the town centre, making better use of the available space and helping to connect the Market Hall and Lyceum Theatre, whilst encouraging further footfall into the town centre.

“This is going to be a fantastic space 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.

Pictured - Artist's impression of Lyceum Square.