A CONSULTATION has been launched to involve residents and businesses in plans to improve Crewe town centre.

‘Your town, your choice’ will be the most wide-ranging consultation ever carried out on the topic.

During July, Cheshire East Council will seek the views of residents and businesses through the media, social media channels, face-to-face meetings and an in-depth survey.

The survey will cover a host of vital questions related to the future of the town centre, including: plans for the Royal Arcade site; proposals for a new bus interchange; the future of the indoor market; car parking; and planning policy.

In April, the authority bought the Royal Arcade site for £6m, which includes the bus station and 26 retail units along Queensway and Victoria Street.

The bold move followed years of speculation since the Delamere Place retail and office scheme stalled in 2009.

Options for redeveloping part of the site could include additional leisure attractions such as a new larger cinema, restaurants, a hotel, car parking and a remodelled bus interchange.

Cllr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We believe in putting our residents and businesses first, so we are not going to make any decisions until we have heard what people have to say.

“We need them to tell us what they want, so that we understand better the role that the Council can play in giving our residents the town centre 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.

“We believe there is an opportunity to forge a role for the town centre as a destination for families to spend quality leisure time – but we need to know whether people support this idea.

“We also want to hear their views on a range of other topics, including car parking and defining the town centre boundary more clearly to promote development.”

Starting in July, the council will be asking for people’s views through: a survey questionnaire that can be completed on paper or online; informal consultation and questions via social media; events to discuss ideas and opportunities, where council officers will be available to answer questions.