Cheshire East backs Bentley Motors’ Crewe campus vision

Cheshire East Council has given the thumbs up to a masterplan outlining how automaker Bentley Motors’ Crewe factory could look in the future.

The development framework and masterplan, which Bentley drew up in discussions with the authority, was endorsed at a meeting of cabinet yesterday (May 9).

Bentley believes its proposals will create a platform for the delivery of a modern, advanced manufacturing operation that would be more efficient, secure and productive.

The campus-style facility would also have the potential to expand in line with the automotive manufacturer’s ambitions.

The masterplan saw six weeks of public consultation earlier this year, giving Bentley an early-stage understanding of the implications of its proposition.

Cheshire East’s cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Don Stockton, said: “This positive step once again shows the council’s commitment to working with local businesses and listening to local people to nurture future economic growth and jobs.

“Bentley Motors is of tremendous importance to the local, regional and national economies. So it has been vitally important to have an opportunity to hear the opinions of local people and organisations to help develop a masterplan that will allow Bentley Motors to continue to thrive and, hopefully, expand operations and create jobs at its Crewe site in the future.”

He continued: “The masterplan has been through a comprehensive consultation process, which has highlighted a range of issues, which need to be taken into account by Bentley Motors if the company is to pursue its vision of a campus environment.

“I am pleased to see that, in response to the consultation feedback, changes have been made to strengthen the framework document and address areas of concern.”

Over 4,000 people are employed directly by Bentley. The company is the town’s largest single employer and accounts for over £1bn of UK exports every year.

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