Historic Crewe building reopens as start-up hub

A Cheshire town centre landmark is set for a new chapter as it reopens as a modern workspace designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) has taken on the lease of Crewe’s historic Municipal Building after being appointed operator by Cheshire East Council.

The 20,000sq ft site, formerly council offices, has been transformed into a flexible workspace offering private offices, meeting rooms, event space and coworking facilities for more than 40 desks.

The renovation, delivered by Conlon Construction, was funded through the Future High Streets Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “This is the latest regeneration scheme to open in Crewe town centre, and it represents a significant opportunity to support new and small businesses. 

“Creating flexible, modern workspace like this helps people to establish their businesses and grow, which in turn supports local employment and strengthens the Crewe economy.

“As more businesses move in, the space will attract additional footfall and spending in the town centre. 

“It’s in a prime location – within easy walking distance of the new bus station and multi‑storey car park and less than 15-minutes from Crewe railway station.

“It’s also very close to the Market Hall, Lifestyle Centre and the new Cheshire Archives centre – meaning it will play an important role in the wider regeneration of the area.”

Guy Parker, managing director of Conlon Construction, added: “We’ve worked with Cheshire East Council on multiple projects, including the ongoing build of Kingsbourne Academy in Nantwich and the completion of Springfield School in Wilmslow. 

“It’s fantastic to continue our partnership by transforming one of their council buildings into a modern, flexible workspace. 

“Working closely with key stakeholders, we ensured minimal disruption and delivered a transformation that supports local businesses, boosts town centre activity, and creates a vibrant hub for Crewe’s business community.”

TownSq, founded in 2017, operates multiple locations across the UK and supports freelancers, startups and small businesses through workspace, mentoring and business programmes.

The new Crewe hub aims to provide a collaborative environment, helping local enterprises grow while contributing to the wider regeneration of the town centre.

Gareth Jones, chief executive of TownSq, said: “We’re delighted to have taken the keys at the Crewe Municipal Buildings and are excited to get underway. 

“The space is incredibly well connected, with the market and transport links; it’s a vital urban centre for Britain, and with the renovation work, the building looks fantastic. 

“There’s a strong demand for this type of modern workspace, and the Municipal Building will really stand out.

“Crewe is England’s interchange with good access to the Midlands and the North, and there’s a real opportunity here to create something that becomes a platform for founders in the area. 

“There’s a strong commercial ecosystem in Crewe, and we want to create a space that can serve to support that community and foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups, by providing the right environment and the right kind of business support.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.