A £7MILLION expansion scheme could turn Crewe's Market Centre into one of the biggest covered retailing complexes in the county.

Plans to transform the complex into a major shopping development and create up to 50 new jobs were unveiled this week.

Site owners, Eagle Star Life Assurance want to invest in the centre, creating 19,000 square feet of additional retailing space and developing a new, partially covered roof-top car park.

When completed, around 50 additional retail and security jobs will be created.

The company says that since the former Co-op building was fully incorporated into the Market Centre the site has the shape of a giant 'L' which will be in-filled by the new development.

The expanded Market Centre will offer entirely covered shopping and parking on one site.

Malls will be redecorated and a new main entrance will be created.

The new roof-top pay and display car park will be on two partially covered decks and provide spaces for 332 cars - 41 more than at present.

Entry will be via a single ramp and the entire car parking area will be illuminated with security lighting and serveillance CCTV cameras.

The enhanced centre will provide Shop-Mobility facilities for disabled visitors.

"This is the largest single investment in Crewe for a number of years. We will be providing one of the biggest covered retailing complexes in the county and it will become established as a regional shopping destination, drawing visitors to the town from across a wide catchment area," said a spokesman for Threadneedle Property Fund Managers Ltd on behalf of Eagle Star.

For borough planners who are eager to see more in-town shopping and to resist out-of-town developments the plan is a welcome one. It is not likely to meet opposition when it comes up for their approval.

Crewe has also been targeted by top leisure company Odyssey who want to develop the West Street Squash Club, creating extra facilities that include a public swimming pool.

Members were due to meet the firm's Managing Director, John West for discussions on Tuesday.

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