Southern Gateway

Crewe town centre regeneration programme works

As part of a plan to improve the route for pedestrians and cyclists from the south of Crewe into the town centre, the first phase has now been completed. The former derelict site has been changed into a safe and attractive walking and cycle route.

Known as the Southern Gateway project, it has improved the link from Oak Street/Vernon Way to Forge Street and will connect with the Mill Street corridor improvements. The project was funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund programme.

Works started in June 2024 and were finished in December 2025. After completion, Active Travel England awarded the Southern Gateway Level 2 status. Cheshire East was the only North West council to achieve this status in 2025.

The works included:

• installation of a new shared cycleway/footway between High Street and Forge Street
• improvements to the existing uncontrolled crossing, upgrading it to a parallel crossing between Vernon Way
• new street lighting, trees, shrubs and other features such as a rain garden between Forge Street and High Street
• changes to the footpath arrangements underneath Mill Street bridge
• widening of the footway on High Street
• improvements to the roundabout on Oak Street/Vernon Way
• installation of improved signage
• resurfacing works were carried out on Brook Street and Chapel Street