HS2 Crewe railway station development consultation ends

Cheshire East Council has completed its public consultation on the type of development that could be seen around Crewe railway station following the arrival of HS2.

The public has submitted opinions on the development over the past six weeks.

Now the next step is preparing an area action plan around Crewe station.

Once fully agreed, Cheshire East Council will manage development and support the regeneration of the area prior to HS2’s arrival.

The concept of a new road bridge, south of Crewe station, is one idea currently being proposed in the plan.

The bridge is proposed following consultations that took place at the end of 2018.

It aims to help resolve traffic congestion, a poor environment and difficulty accessing the station from Nantwich Road.

Concerns were also raised about impact on access to Crewe town centre.

The bridge proposal, subject to the consultation and one of a series of potential measures to improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and motorists, would provide a new link between Gresty Road and Weston Road.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of place, said: “The area action plan development strategy was discussed and endorsed by the cross party strategic planning board before being approved for consultation.

“It contains a number of potential proposals for new development and infrastructure around Crewe station.

“I would encourage everyone to take a look at the draft plans and contribute to this consultation.

“With regards to the new road bridge proposal, this is at a very early stage – and is subject to consultation now, along with other proposals, to ensure we receive public feedback.

“There is no suggestion that houses will need to be demolished to create a road bridge – it is one proposal to improve access in and around the station, in particular taking pressure off Nantwich Road, and free routes that serve the town centre.

“Most people would agree that the current station entrance does not work very well for anyone at the moment – with HS2 on the way we therefore need to think about new transport solutions.”