Crewe Town Centre set for regeneration with housing-led development

Cheshire East Council has signalled its intention to move forward with a major regeneration scheme for Crewe town centre, with plans that could deliver more than 300 new homes, commercial spaces, and new public areas. The council is expected to work with social impact developer Capital&Centric to shape the next phase of the town’s transformation.

The proposed redevelopment focuses on several key sites owned by the council, including the remaining undeveloped portion of the Royal Arcade site, Chester Street Car Park, and Delamere Street Car Park. The vision includes high-quality housing, active ground-floor units for shops, cafes and workspaces, and vibrant public spaces to encourage town centre living and increase footfall.

This initiative is part of Cheshire East Council's broader ambition to position Crewe as the "Best Small City in Europe" by 2050. It complements other major investments in the area, including the new Crewe centre for the Cheshire Archives, the upgraded Leighton Hospital, the Ly2 event space at Lyceum Square, and The Dome Youth Zone.

Capital&Centric, known for transforming brownfield sites into design-led communities, will lead the development of a phased masterplan. Their approach aims to reflect Crewe’s industrial heritage while delivering contemporary spaces that support local business and community use.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “Crewe has all the ingredients to be a brilliant place to live, work, and spend time, but like so many towns, it needs bold moves to get it there. … We’re buzzing to be moving to the next stage and working alongside the council and local people to make it happen.”

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, called the decision “the beginning of the next phase in regenerating the town centre,” adding that it lays the foundation for a place that works for both residents and businesses.

The regeneration strategy aims to diversify the town centre beyond retail by introducing residential development and mixed-use spaces. The council expects this will create a more vibrant, economically resilient centre where people can live, work, and socialise.

While long-term plans are under development, temporary uses are also being explored for the Royal Arcade site. By spring 2026, the area is expected to feature picnic spaces, lighting, seating, and flexible event areas to activate the space and attract visitors in the interim.

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “More town centre living will bring vibrancy and a real sense of place, supporting local businesses and creating momentum for future investment. This is a vision rooted in Crewe’s identity but ambitious about its future.”