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Crewe is currently one of the favourites to become the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR). It has made the shortlist after more than 40 places entered, leaving the town facing Derby, York, Newcastle, Doncaster and Birmingham.
The news that the Cheshire town had made the shortlist was greeted with delight by its residents and partners behind the bid. This included record producer and train enthusiast Pete Waterman who said bringing GBR to Crewe would be a ‘great move’ for the town.
The expression of interest (EOI) was submitted by partners involved in the bid earlier this year. The document put Crewe’s case forward, addressing the six criteria the Government had set out.
READ MORE: Crewe’s Great British Railways HQ bid – how to vote and when the deadline is
But it also suggested six potential, specific sites in the town where the headquarters could be based. Four of these are owned by Network Rail (Avanti) and the other two by Cheshire East Council.
Below we have listed the sis locations that have been suggested along with what the description in the EOI document:
(Image: Google Street View)
Crewe Station: “Potential for modest GBR workforce to be located within spare office accommodation during transitional phase. Shorter term measure due to limited space. Longer term, there is an opportunity for GBR offices to form part of a larger development.”
Weston Road Car Park: “Detailed investment plans for c.200,000sqft of new commercial offices, hotel and station concourse. Adjacent to Hub Station, with improved accessibility to Station. Development area expandable in future phases.
Pedley Street Car Park: “Existing Rail Regulated Car Park in close proximity to the Station. With appropriate investment and close working with rail operator partners this site generates an opportunity to create increased connectivity within Crewe.”
Land on Macon Way (between McDonald’s and Crewe Fire Station): “Cleared site. Acquired and held for strategic reasons associated with HS2. This brown field site offers a great opportunity for arrange of rail-related uses.”
Land at Weston Road/Cowley Way: “Cleared site. Acquired and held for strategic reasons associated with HS2. This brown field site offers a great opportunity for arrange of rail-related uses.”
Total Fitness and Mannin Houseon on Macon Road: “Network Rail has recently purchased the land outlined in red and is expecting to accommodate 300+ staff on the site once refurbished.”
Network Rail (Avanti) owns Crewe Station, Weston Road Car Park, Pedley Street Car Park and Total Fitness on Macon Way. Cheshire East Council owns the other sites on Weston Road and Macon Way.
There is currently a non-binding public vote running where people can choose which location they believe should be the home of GBR. More information on how to vote can be found here.
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