Former M&S Unit Up for Sale – A Big Opportunity for Crewe Town Centre

No one wants to see a large, empty building lying dormant in the heart of Crewe town centre. That’s why I’m really pleased to see the former M&S unit finally being brought to market – nearly eight years after it closed its doors in 2017.

This prominent site has left a noticeable gap on our high street, and it’s something I hear about time and time again from local residents. Its closure hasn’t just left an empty building – it’s symbolised a wider challenge facing town centres across the country. But now, we’ve got a real opportunity to change that.

I’m passionate about attracting new retail and leisure investment into Crewe and putting the spotlight firmly on this key development site. To help do that, I’ve been proactive in writing to several national retailers – including TJ Hughes, who’ve recently opened in Warrington and have stores in places like Bootle, St Helens and Hartlepool – towns very similar to ours. I’ve also reached out to Boyes, a well-known discount department store that’s just opened in nearby Market Drayton.

Locally, many people tell me they’d love to see brands like Primark or The Range come to Crewe – both who I have also extended an invitation to meet in Crewe. While inviting these retailers for discussions doesn’t guarantee they’ll move in, it’s vital we get Crewe on their radar – and this unit gives us a fantastic chance to do just that.

Location matters, and this one has real strengths. It’s right opposite the brand-new car park and bus station, making it easily accessible for shoppers and visitors. These are investments that we must now make the most of.

Progress is also being made on the space outside the unit and near the car park. New grassed areas, improved pathways, paved event spaces and landscaping are in the pipeline – all aimed at creating a more welcoming, vibrant town centre environment. If you live in Crewe, you’ll know just how important this is – and it’s great to see it finally moving forward.

This is just one part of the bigger picture. The Market Hall has been completely revamped and is now a lively hub full of street food, independent stalls, live music and family events – all right next to the Lyceum Theatre. The former library and Civic Centre car park have also been transformed, with seating, trees and flower beds helping to create a more pleasant and inviting link between the Lifestyle Centre, Memorial Square and Market Hall.

There’s more to come, too – the new Cheshire Archives centre is well underway, and the impressive Crewe Youth Zone is rising fast. The size and ambition of this project is incredibly exciting, and it’s all adding to a growing sense of energy and momentum in our town.

Opportunities for Local Business

Even if a national retailer doesn’t take on the site, there are other exciting options. The building could be split into smaller, more affordable retail units – with the possibility of new homes above. This would be ideal for independent traders and local start-ups, especially those looking to take advantage of the Open in Crewe scheme.

This scheme offers grants of up to £30,000 to help eligible businesses set up shop in the town centre. It’s part of the Repurposing Our High Streets project, developed by Cheshire East Council and supported by the Crewe Town Board, using funding from the Government’s Towns Fund. Since launching, 12 local businesses have already received grants – and more are on the way.

There’s a real buzz around Crewe town centre right now. Bringing this long-vacant site back to life could be a major step forward in that journey. We’ve got the tools, the vision, and a community that wants to see progress.

Now it’s time to be ambitious, stay positive – and seize the opportunity.