CHESHIRE East Council leader Rachel Bailey has committed to continuing ‘major investment’ in Crewe.

Since the purchase of the Royal Arcade shopping centre last year, the town has seen further investment in two new projects including the £15 million lifestyle centre which opened earlier this month.

Crewe Engineering and Design University Technical College on West Street is also opening in September and the council is hoping that it will attract the ‘best engineering talent’ to help meet the job demand from major employers such as Bentley Motors.

Cllr Bailey said: “The opening of the lifestyle centre is a hugely positive move in Crewe. Combining physical health and wellbeing in this way with improving education has tremendous benefits to all residents.

“We also want to see a busy, vibrant town centre and an environment that will be attractive and welcoming to shoppers and businesses.

“Crewe UTC will be a terrific asset to the town when it opens in September. There is a great demand for young engineers in Crewe and right across the Borough.

“With HS2 adding to the already very strong demand for the next generation of engineers, it is extremely important that we ensure that young people growing up in Cheshire East realise that there are fantastic career opportunities available on their doorstep.”

The town’s road and transport systems are also continuing to receive investment as the Council seeks to revive the town’s status as a focal network point.

The Crewe Green Link Road was opened by transport minister Patrick McLoughlin before Christmas and the Manchester Bridge is due to fully re-open in the town next month.

“The benefits of HS2 and a strategic transport hub at Crewe will bring will be absolutely transformational for the local, regional and national economy and great news for jobs, business and growth in Cheshire East and the wider region,” added Cllr Bailey.

“It is already raising the profile of Crewe on the national and international stage and the Council is working with a range of prospective developers and investors, who understand the prospects of Crewe and want to share in its future success.

“The people of Crewe can be in no doubt that this Council is fully committed to driving forward an ambitious scheme for redevelopment, regeneration and economic growth in the town.

“We have started on an exciting journey for Crewe and are committed to seeing it through to the end.”