AN ambitious plan to make Crewe an economic powerhouse by 2030 is gathering pace with the publication of a new council strategy.

Cheshire East Council (CEC) aim to turn the town into the ‘premier location in the north west for advanced manufacturing and engineering’.

This week, CEC published the 50-page All Change for Crewe: High Growth City strategy report.

The document sets out the authority’s ambition to exploit the town’s connectivity and record of innovation to drive future growth.

Five key priorities include developing Crewe as a world-class hub for the automotive and rail industries, making the town a UK centre of excellence in employer-led skills, positioning Crewe as a market leader in renewable energy and spearheading a £500 million infrastructure programme for the town.

Preparing key land assets to support future economic growth is also covered in the document.

Council leader, clr Michael Jones, said: “Crewe really is on the cusp of a major renaissance. Our All Change for Crewe strategy is leading the transformation of the town, capitalising on its rail and engineering heritage, but also supporting growth in exciting new industries and technologies.

“The town’s unrivalled connectivity means Crewe has a unique opportunity to become a gateway between the economies of northern and southern England, with more than six million people living within an hour of the town.”

The strategy aims to build on the recent announcement from Crewe-based Bentley Motors that will see £1 billion invested in new product development - including manufacturing Bentley’s new luxury SUV - creating 400 jobs directly and up to a thousand through the local supply chain.

The council point to a proposed new Crewe University Technical College – backed by Bentley, Siemens, OSL and Manchester Metropolitan University – to deliver the skilled workers needed to support their ambitions.

The discovery of Crewe’s potential to deliver geothermal power is also part of the All Change initiative.

Clr Jones added: “The strategy is ambitious, but certainly realisable, and by 2030 we aim to make Crewe a nationally significant economic centre and one of the leading advanced engineering and manufacturing centres in the country.”