A DEVELOPER is being sought to undertake the £25million redevelopment of the Royal Arcade site in Crewe town centre.

Cheshire East Council is working with Cushman and Wakefield to secure a developer to add leisure and retail outlets at the site, which the council purchased last May.

The Royal Arcade site is situated at the heart of Crewe town centre on a prominent island site totalling approximately 4.57 acres.

Keith Hardman of Cushman and Wakefield said: “Royal Arcade was acquired by the council last year having been identified by Cheshire East Council as a prime redevelopment site that would act as a catalyst for the long-term regeneration of Crewe town centre.

“Requirements for the new scheme include a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, other food and drink uses, a bus interchange, as well as improved linkages with the remainder of the town centre and enhancements to retained areas and public realm.”

CEC has already invested more than £15 million in the town centre by investing in the Crewe Lifestyle Centre, which opens on Friday.

Crewe University Technical College will also open its doors in the town centre in September as part of a new £10 million investment by the government.

Cllr Don Stockton, CEC cabinet member with responsibility for Regeneration and Assets, said: “Our purchase of this site recognises the importance that this strategic site has to offer Crewe and the wider region.

“We are now fully committed to ensuring that the right developer is selected to realise its true potential.

“The chosen developer will share our vision for the long-term improvement of the town centre.

“The redevelopment of Royal Arcade will not only increase footfall to the town centre and provide a valuable boost to the local economy but it will help to secure further retail and leisure investment, which will continue the important transformation of Crewe.”