Temporary public space plan for town centre site

People will be able to view plans for a town centre redevelopment scheme and have their say on its future at an event on Friday.

The Royal Arcade site in Crewe is due to be reopened as a temporary public space later this year, Cheshire East Council says.

The redevelopment's first phase delivered a bus station and multi-storey car park but a second phase at the site, which borders Victoria Street and Queensway, was scaled back, with the authority blaming the scrapping of HS2 and rising costs.

Amid fears the untouched space was unwelcoming to visitors, the temporary scheme was floated, with designs on show between 11:00 and 14:00 GMT on Friday at Crewe Market Hall.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy council leader, said residents and businesses wanted to see the site put to good use.

The council plans to grass over sections and install a new footpath with lighting that connects the bus station and multi-storey car park with the corner of Victoria Street and Queensway.

There would also be paved areas where events and activities could take place.

Current safety fencing around the site would be replaced with lower-level wooden fencing.

Gorman said Friday's event would see the proposed layout of the space being presented, and people asked for their views on things like seating, gates and the types of recreational activities that could take place there – with a half-court basketball court among the ideas being considered.

"We are keen to ensure that the plans reflect what local people want and need and that it's a space that all ages can enjoy," he said.

An online feedback form will also be open until 9 April.

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