Jenny Schippers spends a day in and around the town that’s getting back on track.
The mighty railway town of Crewe, created when the Grand Junction Railway Company opened its Liverpool to Birmingham line in 1837, grew from a village of just 70 residents to one of the world’s greatest railway hubs.
And at its centre was the Crewe Works, opened in 1840, the engineering facility producing many famous locomotives and steam engines during its 140-year history. At its peak, the site employed 20,000 workers.
Crewe’s rail and road links were seen as advantageous prior to the outbreak of World War II and the British Government, working with Rolls-Royce, chose a 60-acre area of farmland on the outskirts of the town for a shadow factory producing aero-engines. (British shadow factories were the outcome of the Shadow Scheme, a plan devised in 1935 and developed by the British Government in the build-up to World War II to try to meet the urgent need for more aircraft using technology transfer from the motor industry to implement additional manufacturing capacity.)
Post-war, the Pyms Lane site switched to both Bentley and Rolls-Royce car manufacturing until the latter ended production in 2002, and the factory redeveloped to allow an expansion of the Bentley brand.
Like many northern towns, Crewe witnessed a sharp post-industrial decline, leading to a lack of opportunities for its workforce, resulting in systemic social deprivation and a neglected town centre.
However, with the announcement that Crewe will become an HS2 services and hub station by 2033, the town’s fortunes are set to change, with significant economic growth predicted as it becomes a magnet for new businesses and residents.
Simply put, Crewe needs to be ready, and a series of much-needed economic, social and environmental transformation projects are planned to create a bustling and welcoming place to live and work.
The Crewe Town Investment Plan marks an ambitious £100m+ regeneration programme set to change the face of Crewe over the next decade, ensuring a brighter future for this Cheshire town built on and powered by the railways.
The vision for Crewe is to create a rich cultural, retail and entertainment offering, to entice residents and visitors into its centre.
The first piece to this puzzle is the £3m redevelopment of the magnificent Crewe Market Hall, standing proud on Earle Street, adjacent to the grand Municipal Buildings and outdoor covered market.
This Grade II listed, red-brick building was established in 1854 to house 2,000 tonnes of Cheshire Cheese and later as a general market for the town. In May 2021, following an extensive renovation, Crewe Market Hall re-opened as a mixeduse venue presenting locals with a vibrant place to shop, eat and meet.
Considered the heart of the community, this dogfriendly building now welcomes 25,000 visitors per month – hosting a Thursday night quiz, Saturday night live music, monthly markets and a calendar of cultural and community events.
Alongside independent traders, including Joseph Heler Cheese, Jordy’s Pizza, Mini Beans Coffee, Swirly Pearls, and The Crewe Dog, the vast hall has ample seating, a children’s corner (including free soft play Wednesday to Friday) and two performance stages.
Thanks in part to a successful collaborative approach between management (Market Asset Management) and vendors, Crewe Market Hall has contributed to a 36 per cent increase in footfall to the town in its first year of trading and was awarded Ambassador of the Year at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual business awards.
With the Crewe Lyceum Theatre only a few steps away, and the Crewe Heritage Centre a 10-minute walk, the Market Hall makes for an ideal way to begin a day exploring Crewe and the surrounding area.
Notable eateries on the town’s outskirts include The Holy Bun, CW2 Burger, and Giovannis – all dotted along Nantwich Road – together with Hickory’s Gresty Green and The Badger Inn at Church Minshull. After dining locally, get back to nature at Queens Park or on the Joey the Swan walk at Wistaston Brook.
En route to the town of Alsager, make a stop at the Hall Farm Shop, located in the old milking parlour of the familyrun farm, to stock up on locally sourced meat, seasonal vegetables, eggs, dairy and baked goods, and call in at the Courtyard Café.
With an array of independent businesses to discover, Alsager is a good place to spend a few hours. Recommendations include Beading Amazing, 2 Doors Studio, Wall Street, Flower Passion, Handmade Naturals, Clarity & Radiance Beauty Salon, Home, The Vault, Casters, and The Real Food Company for natural, organic food and drink.
Finish the afternoon relaxing in the English Spa Garden at the Manor House Hotel. This family-owned country hotel has extended its spa offering with an outdoor heated vitality pool featuring a swim-up bar, hydrotherapy tub, salt steam chamber, summer house and pavilion. Spend time in the Pool House, sample the cocktail menu, cosy up in front of the roaring fire or partake in afternoon tea before a tailored spa treatment.
Spa packages include morning, afternoon and day sessions alongside overnight stays incorporating a meal at the Stables Bar & Grill.
The Manor House Hotel is the perfect base to explore the area, including walks along The Salt Line and adjoining Borrow Pit Meadows. This 1.8-mile trafficfree route follows the line of a disused railway and is mostly flat throughout. The adjacent 40-acre nature reserve incorporates woodland, wetland and meadows. Follow the Tales of Trees or Salt Line Solar System trails, available to download from the Cheshire East website.
TALKING HEADS
Jenny Schippers
I didn’t know Crewe before researching this article but after meeting Market Hall general manager Gary Johnson, who spoke passionately about its place at the heart of the community, I left sharing his feeling of positivity for the town’s future, having witnessed the momentum generated by this impressive, reimagined project, powered by an enthusiastic management team and hard-working traders.
Melissa Bateman, hospitality and events team leader, Crewe Market Hall
I have lived in Crewe all my life. I was born here, so I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a soft spot for it. It’s where I grew up and went to school; where I met my friends and made lasting memories.
I love living and working in Crewe, I think it’s a special place in its own unique way, with its cultural history and background. It is easily accessible for people coming and going thanks to our railway system, and with all the transformation planned for Crewe I think it has a bright future.
The About Cheshire team
Jenny Schippers, aka Jenny Writes Cheshire, works with travel, tourism and hospitality businesses across the county to improve their digital presence.
Facebook and Instagram: @jennywritescheshire
Cathy Mulhern is an illustrator and artist, originally from Ireland and now living in Wilmslow. She specialises in urban illustration and her work is hand-drawn.
Instagram:@Cathy_Illustration
