Cheshire East Council has launched two consultations on what HS2 could mean for Crewe and surrounding area.
Proposals include how HS2 may support jobs, improve the environment and make the area’s transport network fit for the future.
The first consultation is for the Crewe area action plan, which sets out ideas for how to get the most out of HS2.
This includes:
● Where different types of development should take place;
● Ways to encourage people to walk and cycle more through improved public realm;
● How to achieve environmentally responsible buildings;
● Ways to protect the heritage;
● How to link the station to the town centre; and
● What new infrastructure will be needed to support the development.
The planning document, which looks over a 20-year timescale until 2040, aims to transform and regenerate the area around Crewe station.
There is a proposed package of measures to improve access to the station, which includes suggestions for better transport links, access to the town centre and road improvements.
The second consultation is for the Southern Road Link Bridge, which is one of the new infrastructure proposals under the area action plan.
This new road bridge, south of Crewe Station between Weston Road and Gresty Road, would span the railway and help to reduce traffic congestion on Nantwich Road, allowing better provision for pedestrians and cyclists.
The proposed bridge location has been fixed in consultation with Network Rail.
There are eight access options, which come with different implications.
All options, which do not impact on residential properties, are included in the consultation for people to have their say.
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “HS2 is a massive opportunity for Cheshire East.
“It will bring a huge investment in our infrastructure and create the right conditions for businesses and jobs to come here.
“Crewe could be an incredibly successful place. We are working on huge investment projects that will radically transform the area, such as the Crewe Market Hall, Royal Arcade and bus station.
“This, along with road improvements, is all to ensure our residents fully benefit from HS2 and the increased rail connectivity that comes with it.
“To make this happen, the council has to plan carefully to anticipate opportunities that HS2 could bring and plan for how our communities will get the best out of the development here.
“This also includes developing an understanding of the skills and training offer locally – working with the UTC, Reaseheath College, Cheshire College South and West and existing businesses – to understand how local people can take advantage of the jobs that are expected to come to the area.
“I am sure you will agree that we need to improve the road network around Crewe and we have proposals to achieve this, and bring jobs and opportunities to our community.
“These public consultations allow people to comment on the plan – and the proposals contained within it – in particular the proposal for the Southern Road Link Bridge.
“I urge everyone in the area to be involved in this consultation as this is something that impacts the future for Crewe.”
The council is seeking feedback on the plan for six weeks, with consultations ending at 11:59pm on September 3 2019.
Further details can be found on the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/consultations
Master-planning workshops on the area action plan will be held over the consultation period.
An exhibition on the Southern Link Road Bridge will take place between 10am and 3pm on August 10 at Crewe Alexandra Football Club.
The link between the roads is much overdue. Over recent years the changes made to Nantwich road have I assume have had the desired effect to push traffic onto the Nantwich bypass but have made access to the Station and surrounding businesses ‘difficult ‘. This HS2 link is intended to improve access to the Station and surrounding area but will not work effectively unless the through route down Gresty road is upgraded to take the traffic volumes intended. Gresty road services on its western side a significant residential area , how is their safety and well-being to be provided for ?