Technical Institute, Flag Lane, Crewe

In 1897 the new Technical Institute and School of Art was opened on Hightown, Crewe. A handsome sixteen room building of red brick and terra-cotta in the English Renaissance style, it was to become a serious rival to the Mechanics Institution in that town. Alongside Science and Engineering classes, there were Art classes, Commercial Subjects such as Typewriting, Shorthand, Accountancy and Book Keeping and the Women’s Institute classes. James Stevens, the architect for the new building was selected by architectural competition held in 1895.

CREWE SCHOOL OF ART AND WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - The Technical Instruction Committee of the Borough of Crewe invited the following architects to send in competition designs for their new buildings, viz.: Messrs. J. W. Beaumont, G. E. Balshaw, Chapman & Snape, Ford & Slater, J. Lane Fox, J. D. Mould, Jas. Stevens, Woodhouse & Potts, and Woodhouse & Willoughby. Messrs. W. Sugden and Son, FRIBA, Leek, were appointed assessors, and  'they placed first the design numbered 7, and this decision has been accepted by the committee. When the sealed envelopes were opened, the author was found to be Mr. Jas. Stevens, FRIBA, 88, Mosley-street, Manchester. [Builder 11 May 1895 page 358]

It was formally opened on Saturday 16 October 1897 by the Earl of Crewe in the presence of the mayor, Alderman W McNeil. During the building, a council suite was incorporated, and in 1906 the town council met here regularly. Extended 1902-3. Converted to residential

Reference    Builder 11 May 1895 page 358
Reference    Builder 16 November 1895 – contracts.
Reference    Paul Hurley A-Z of Crewe