Major redevelopment of football facilities begins

Crewe FC chair Steve Parker said the town not seen significant investment in its sports facilities for about a decade

Work has begun on a major redevelopment of sports facilities in Crewe.

A partnership between Cheshire East Council and Crewe FC will see a new 3G pitch and refurbished pavilion at the King George V Playing Fields.

The project, which is estimated to cost £1.4m and will prioritise access for women and girls, is one of 35 to have been funded by the £30m Lionesses Futures Fund, created by the government and Football Association.

Club chair Steve Parker said: "The start of work on the 3G pitch has been long anticipated and we cannot wait to see the pitch ready for use."

The project is estimated to cost £1.4m and will prioritise access for women and girls through reserved peak-time slots and more welcoming changing facilities.

Crewe FC already has a number of teams across a range of ages and abilities, featuring several women's teams.

The club said the redevelopment would help drive participation levels up while also future proofing the club.

Earlier this year, they warned the scheme was in jeopardy due to planning delays.

Mr Parker said the project was important because Crewe had not seen a significant investment in its sports facilities for about 10 years.

"It has not been an easy journey, but we can now start to look forward to welcoming the community into the fantastic new venue."

As well as the 3G pitch and refurbished pavilion, the revamp will include full wheelchair access, disabled changing areas, nursing facilities for parents, wide corridors, gender-neutral changing facilities, flexible coaching areas and new catering areas.

Works are expected to be completed in early 2026.