A major upgrade to Crewe's Cumberland Arena, one of the town’s premier athletics and football venues, has taken a significant step forward with the erection of the steel frame for a new two-storey building.

The redevelopment, led by Cheshire East Council and Everybody Health and Leisure, and backed by the government’s Towns Fund allocation to Crewe — marks a key milestone in a wider strategy to improve health and wellbeing facilities for local residents.

The new building will house three multi-functional studio spaces, a balcony with covered spectator seating, and a new reception area.

The scheme also includes:

• Additional parking spaces

• EV charging points

• Improved pedestrian and cyclist access

• Secure bike shelters

The upgraded venue will host a range of activities including dance, Pilates, yoga, and community programmes seven days a week.

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The development supports Cheshire East Council's environmental goals, incorporating LED lighting, rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps and an external living wall.

MC Construction, based in Salford, is the main contractor for the project, working alongside David Trowler Associates (building surveyor), ABA Consulting (structural engineer), and Crookes Walker Consulting (M&E engineer).

Work began earlier this year with the demolition of the existing building, and the next phase will see concrete flooring installed, a brick finish added to the ground floor, and cladding on the first floor before the interior fit-out begins. Completion is scheduled for spring 2026.

The Cumberland Arena is home to Crewe and Nantwich Athletics Club and several local running groups, as well as football teams who use the site's 3G pitch. Existing changing facilities will remain in use throughout construction.

Russ Forshaw, Managing Director of MC Construction, said: "Working once again alongside our longstanding client Cheshire East Council, we are proud to be the main contractor to carry out this important upgrade to Cumberland Arena.

"The project will deliver greatly improved facilities for the area and aims to inspire more people to take up physical activity, in line with the council’s commitment to providing enhanced health and wellbeing opportunities.

"Alongside this, the design will support the council's aims to become carbon neutral, with a number of significant environmental features.

"We look forward to delivering the scheme next spring and seeing the new facilities becoming a popular addition to the Cumberland Arena."