The Government has approved business cases for the first two projects in Crewe.
The chair of Crewe Town Board says ‘we are one step closer to two fantastic new facilities being delivered in Crewe’ after the first two Towns Fund projects had their business cases signed off by government. The funding will be released for the two projects later this year.
Doug Kinsman, chair of Crewe Town Board, said: “This is fantastic news for Crewe’s regeneration, its communities and the wider area and is testament to the strengths of the business cases that were submitted.
“Achieving business case approval from government for the Flag Lane Baths and Youth Zone projects means we are one step closer to two fantastic new facilities being delivered in Crewe – and closer to providing facilities that will support the needs of our community both now and in the future and improve social, mental health and wellbeing services.”
By the end of Summer the business cases for the other eight Towns Fund projects will have been submitted to government for its agreement and sign off.
Once government has made its final funding offer– and approvals such as planning permission have been met, the physical works on projects can begin.
The Flag Lane Baths project is led by the Always Ahead charity and aims to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing for the whole of Crewe and its residents for years to come..
The project has been granted planning permission and will see the former Crewe swimming pool transformed into a vibrant destination where people will be able to spend leisure time and access support. This will give the building 21st century purpose for the people of Crewe and preserve its heritage -keeping alive the memories of many residents.
Rev David Edwards, executive director of Always Ahead, said: “Our vision has always been to see Flag Lane Baths become a source of huge civic pride for the local community once again, and we are looking forward to seeing this vision become a reality and to begin the next stages of this project.
The Crewe Youth Zone project is led by national youth charity OnSide. Youth Zones are state-of-the-art spaces for young people that are packed with fantastic facilities and activities including dance, music and media skills.
Kathryn Morley, chief executive at OnSide, said: “The Youth Zone will be an inspirational place with incredible facilities, that will give young people countless opportunities to meet new friends, gain support from skilled youth workers and discover new passions and talents.”
Councillor Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council added: “I am thrilled that this latest milestone has been reached – it’s a significant step towards delivering this much-needed facility for our young people.”
The Youth Zone project also includes a satellite youth facility on Mirion Street. The first phase will focus on relocating South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club to enable their vibrant clubs to continue to thrive and develop.
Ray Palin, chair of the Crewe Youth Club charity, said he is ‘delighted’ with the latest Towns Fund news for Crewe and that the plans are to deliver a ‘fabulous new facility’.
Nathan Clarke, head coach and founder of South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club, added: “I am excited to have the opportunity to take our boxing club experience to even more young people in Crewe and to be working with Crewe Youth Club and the Town Board.”
The full list of Towns Fund projects can be found here
