Crewe Vision

Crewe occupies a strategic position on the southern boundary of the North West Region, located as it is, astride the west coast mainline and close to junction 16 of the M6. Recent discussions with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) have highlighted the significance of Crewe in the region and the opportunity for Cheshire East to show leadership by demonstrating its true potential for the North West economy. The future of Crewe will have a major role to play in the continued growth of the North West as key decisions are made nationally about transport infrastructure investments and regionally in terms of the Regional Economic Strategy. The Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA) and partner sub-regional authorities also see Crewe as a major focus for sub-regional investment.

Over recent years Crewe has successfully grown and diversified its economy with, for example, completion of Crewe Business Park developments and growth of the Manchester Metropolitan University Campus. Recently success has been counterbalanced by the economic recession and delays to the town centre redevelopment. Cheshire East has identified Crewe as its biggest spatial priority and is now providing leadership by working with the NWDA and specialist consultants SQW to develop an Economic Vision and high level master plan for Crewe. SQW have been working in consultation with public and private sector stakeholders since September 2009 and are now completing the final phase of the project.

The Consultancy Study will:

• Review past studies and projects.
• Examine the economic future for Crewe.
• Analyse the linkages between existing development projects.
• Identify the major opportunities and challenges facing Crewe.
• Engage with key stakeholders and partners.
• Develop a vision and high level master plan.
• Present an economic case for future investment in Crewe.
• Identify short, medium and long term funding/investment opportunities.
• Advise on delivery mechanisms and governance arrangements.

Development of the Vision has been steered by Cheshire East Council in conjunction with the NWDA and the CWEA.

The Vision will:

• Identify a new strategic direction for Crewe. 
• Be bedded in reality, so it is both deliverable and sustainable.
• Present a strategy for the delivery of existing projects.
• Have strong stakeholder support.
• Provide a clear framework for the delivery of new investment.
• Establish a delivery mechanism that harnesses private, public and the voluntary sectors in a common purpose for the development of Crewe.