Residents, shoppers and visitors are being invited to see what the future of Stafford town centre could look like at a series of public drop-in sessions.
Stafford Borough Council will hold four events at the Guildhall Shopping Centre during August and September, giving people the chance to view the town centre Development Framework and ask questions.
The framework sets out the council’s long-term vision for the redevelopment of the town centre.
Four drop-in sessions planned
The events will all run from 11am until 3pm on:
- Thursday 20 August
- Thursday 27 August
- Wednesday 2 September
- Thursday 3 September
Councillors and council officers will be available during the sessions to discuss the proposals and hear feedback from members of the public.
The public events follow a similar session at St Mary’s Church in July, which was attended by around 50 business representatives and potential investors.
What is proposed for Stafford?
The Development Framework includes proposals for a new market hall with artisan retail, food and drink, entertainment and space for business start-ups.
It also includes new homes, pocket parks, improved public spaces and a proposed expansion of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group’s town centre facilities.
Historic landmarks and important building frontages are also intended to form part of the redevelopment.
Stafford Borough Council has previously confirmed that the historic frontages of the former Guildhall Shopping Centre and Co-op department store are expected to be retained.
Demolition work already under way
Some of the preparation work for the wider regeneration has already taken place.
The council used government funding to purchase the Guildhall Shopping Centre and former Co-op department store, with large parts of both sites subsequently demolished.
Demolition is also taking place at the former Wilko building, which has been earmarked as a potential expansion site for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.
The Future High Streets Fund has also contributed towards the refurbishment of Market Square and improvements around the approach to Stafford Railway Station.
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said the drop-in sessions would give residents an opportunity to see the vision for the town centre and be involved in the next stage of the plans.
More information about the wider regeneration proposals can be found at:
https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-regeneration
Leave a Reply