CREWE town centre could be set for the biggest overhaul in decades after Cheshire East Council agreed to purchase the Royal Arcade site for £6 million.

The 3.79 acre Royal Arcade site includes the bus station and 26 retail units along Queensway and Victoria Street.

The decision on the acquisition was reported to the Council’s Cabinet meeting on April 21.

The £6million deal could pave the way for a number of new amenities, including a new larger cinema, restaurants, a hotel, car park and a remodelled bus interchange.

Caroline Simpson, executive director of economic growth and prosperity, called the deal the ‘latest piece in the jigsaw’.

She said: “In recent months we’ve been developing a regeneration delivery framework for the town centre to understand the role that Cheshire East Council can play in giving our residents a town centre that they deserve.

“We’ve already secured millions of pounds of investment for the town centre through the new Lifestyle Centre and the University Technical College which will both open in 2016.

“This is the latest piece in the jigsaw and builds upon strong interest expressed through leisure operators, who share our vision for Crewe and our belief that we can forge a role for the town centre that is based on it being a destination for families to spend quality leisure time.”

The move follows years of speculation since plans for the Delamere Place retail and office scheme stalled in 2009.

A number of options for redeveloping part of the site are now being considered.

Julian Cobley, the council’s head of investment, added: “We will look at all options including the potential for bringing in a development partner to ensure that any scheme balances viability with our aspirations that this site can act as a catalyst and bring even more investment into the town.

“The council is keen to work with existing occupiers within Royal Arcade and will shortly be embarking on a consultation with local residents and businesses on our regeneration delivery framework, to ensure we’re making the most of our key assets and opportunities in the town centre.”