Work is starting on the first phase of a £6m overhaul of Crewe Rail Station.
The scheme is central to ambitious Council-backed plans to revitalise and regenerate the town and surrounding area. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.
Phase one of the overhaul of the rail station includes a new surface-level car park with 240 spaces and 11 disabled bays, new pedestrian access from Weston Road and a new commercial development site next to the station.
It also includes a new entrance with facilities for taxis and for people to pick up and drop off family and friends, refurbishment of the existing subway to platforms and a new area for delivery vehicles to access the station.
The existing customer entrance on Nantwich Road will not close during the work and the taxi rank will still operate there as normal. The work will create dual access to the station at the upper and lower levels.
The scheme is a key part of a wider project to turn the historic site into an iconic 21st century gateway to the town and help unlock Crewe’s potential as an economic powerhouse by 2030.
The phase-one work has been made possible after a successful bid by Cheshire East Council, supported by Network Rail, for £6.177m from the Government.
Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: “This is tremendous news both for Crewe and for Cheshire East as a whole.
“This work is a crucial piece of the jigsaw to deliver long-term regeneration to enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live, work and do business.
“Starting this work is a massive vote of confidence in the station, the town and wider regeneration scheme.
“A revitalised rail hub is critical to boosting the town’s economy and its attractiveness to businesses and visitors.”
Demolition and foundation digging work is due to start early next month (February 2013). The work is due to be completed by spring 2014.
John Lea, chairman of the All Change for Crewe Board – the private and public sector partnership set up to drive forward regeneration – said: “Works at the station are long overdue but at last townspeople can see positive change taking shape.
“The Victorian infrastructure has been crying out for investment and finally we have something which is not a proposal or a plan but a scheme under way.
“This may only be phase one, but it’s the start of a new era for rail travel, giving Crewe a station which lives up to its reputation as a famous rail hub.
“A new-look station, with 21st century facilities, will do wonders to restore civic pride and make Crewe an attractive prospect to investors.”
For further information about All Change for Crewe, visit the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewerail
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