Cheshire East moves forward with plans for HS2 arrival

Cheshire East Council is moving forward with plans for the arrival of HS2 by considering the impact and opportunities it will create around Crewe railway station.

The draft plans, show the next part of the emerging Crewe station hub area action plan (CSHAAP), and are on the agenda at a meeting of the strategic planning board on 30 January. At the end of this process and once fully agreed, the CSHAAP will allow the council to manage development and support the regeneration of the area prior to HS2’s arrival.

The CSHAAP outlines a vision of how the council will make the most of the significant increase in connectivity HS2 brings with it, for Crewe and the wider region. It will set out draft plans and ideas for the potential of a new commercial district close to the station, alongside draft policies and a high-level development strategy for the area. 

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I’m excited at the potential and opportunities that HS2 will bring to Cheshire East from 2027. While eight years seems like a long way off, we need to be prepared and plan now to deliver the best outcome for our residents, communities and businesses.

“The Crewe station hub area action plan builds on our previous work for the Crewe masterplan and continues to show government that the right hub at Crewe station will bring opportunities to Crewe and to many other parts of the borough.

“As a council, we do not want to limit what the opportunities are going to be in the area when HS2 arrives. We are working with the community and local businesses to identify them, so we have a plan that reflects the ambitions of the local area.

“We need to maximise the potential benefits of an enhanced HS2 hub station at Crewe and getting this emerging plan right is the best way to achieve this.”

Initial consultation and engagement events were held in autumn 2018, which have helped to inform the draft plan. 

The draft plan will be considered by the strategic planning board and, subject to approval, a consultation period could start in February 2019.