In a significant move, the Cheshire East Council has decided to discontinue the transformation of the Crewe swimming baths.
The council plans to replace it with a school catering to local educational needs. This decision follows financial constraints and project delays.
Cheshire East Council has made a pivotal decision to halt the proposed transformation of the Crewe swimming baths into a community hub. The decision was fueled by escalating costs associated with the project delays. The Always Ahead charity, initially spearheading the scheme, faced significant financial constraints due to increased costs. Consequently, the council decided to withdraw funding and pursue a new direction for the site.
The council plans to seek government approval to redirect the £3.3m Towns Fund grant. Cheshire East intends to channel these funds towards other initiatives within the Crewe Towns Fund programme, such as the Youth Zone and the Mill Street corridor. This reallocation aims to maximise the impact of the available resources. Whilst some stakeholders expressed disappointment, the overall sentiment favours the new educational initiatives.
The former Flag Lane Baths site has been vacant since 2016. The council now contemplates its demolition to accommodate an alternative provision school. Councillors express hope to preserve the old structure’s facade as part of the new construction. Sally Ashworth highlighted that this school would support children struggling with mainstream education, providing essential local education alternatives and reducing reliance on independent schools.
The introduction of an alternative provision school in Crewe is expected to have a profound impact on the community. Cllr Chris O’Leary underscored the importance of preventing exclusions to ensure better outcomes for children. The new school aims to offer more accessible education options locally, thus maintaining proximity to children’s homes, which is crucial for family dynamics and community cohesion.
The new school is set to address the needs of children who might otherwise require special education elsewhere. Sally Ashworth pointed out the insufficient local registered alternatives, noting the need for this provision to prevent escalation into specialist schools. Cllr Ken Edwards expressed strong support for establishing such a facility in Crewe, citing its critical role in improving educational access.
Councillors expressed mixed feelings about abandoning the original scheme but acknowledged the benefits of the new plan. Cllr Fiona Wilson noted the advantages of having special educational needs provision locally. Despite the shift in focus, the underlying goal remains to optimise educational resources. The emphasis is on maintaining close proximity to students’ homes for ease of access.
This decision reflects a strategic pivot by Cheshire East Council towards enhancing educational infrastructure. It underscores the council’s commitment to aligning resources with community needs, highlighting a pragmatic approach to local governance challenges.
The council’s shift from the community hub to educational development illustrates a resourceful response to financial challenges.
Cheshire East aims to strengthen its educational framework and benefit the local community.
