New Partnership Board boosts ‘All Change for Crewe’ regeneration project

 

A new partnership has been unveiled to help give vital impetus to the ‘All Change for Crewe’ regeneration scheme.

The All Change for Crewe Partnership Board has been formed in recognition of the need to provide vital private sector strategic leadership to the implementation of the All Change for Crewe strategy to make the town and surrounding area an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

All Change for Crewe aims to integrate the long-term physical renewal and development of the town with action to improve economic prospects and social conditions for its residents.

The new board is made up of 10 members, including five private sector representatives, and a private sector chair. The full membership of the board comprises:

· John Lea – Morning Foods (Chair);

· Mike Hawes – Bentley Motors;

· Matthias Kuhn – Air Products;

· Andrew Pass – John Pass Jewellers;

· John Dunning – South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce;

· Neil Pickering – Homes and Communities Agency;

· Dennis Dunn – Manchester Metropolitan University;

· Tracy Bullock – Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust;

· Councillor Michael Jones; Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for resources;

· Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity.

A further place has been allocated on the board for a representative of the rail industry – in recognition of its importance.

There was a widespread interest in joining the board from the private sector. Those not successful will be able to contribute to the delivery of the strategy aspirations through involvement in individual project boards to be established in due course.

Board chairman John Lea, managing director of Morning Foods and High Sheriff of Cheshire, said: “I am delighted to become chairman of this important and influential partnership board and very much look forward to providing strategic leadership and direction. 

“It's very good to see the private and public sectors working together to harness the drive and enthusiasm which will help to promote the strategic development of our town and ensure that the exciting and ambitious plans are fully implemented so that Crewe and its immediate area can achieve its full economic potential.”

Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is an important development for Crewe.  Although Cheshire East Council continues to drive forward the regeneration objectives of All Change for Crewe, we clearly can’t do this in isolation.  The Council can help create the conditions for new jobs and investment, but it’s ultimately the business community that delivers. 

“There was immense interest from the local business community in taking a place on this board, which is very heartening.  The fact that it has a real cross-section of the local business community will serve it well in driving forward Crewe’s regeneration and sends a signal to the business community nationally that Crewe is a can-do place for new investment and jobs.”

One of All Change for Crewe’s key aims is to attract a more educated, skilled and ambitious workforce to the local area to boost the economy and play a central role in plans for the town to become a dynamic regional centre.

A major investment in Crewe train station and town centre and the completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise the town and the surrounding region.

Information on the All Change for Crewe Strategy is now available on the following website: www.allchangeforcrewe.co.uk