Designs for £6m retail and office space unveiled

A new design has been shared showing what the upcoming retail, office, and makers’ centre on Victoria Street in Stapleford might look like.

The £6.2m building, named the Pencil Works, is funded by the Stapleford Towns Fund. Stapleford was awarded £21.1m by the government to fund various improvements across the town.

The building is expected to create 50 jobs and offer 1,000 sq m of new retail, leisure, and office space.

The ground floor will feature a creative makers’ space for craftspeople and artists, along with retail units, including food and drink outlets, public toilets relocated from Cliffe Hill, disabled parking, and bicycle storage.

While, the first floor will provide flexible office space for small businesses.

Construction is planned to begin in winter, pending planning permission, with completion expected by late 2025.

The architect’s designs may change as the plans are developed further in collaboration with the local community.

A public consultation on the plans is scheduled for October 2024, including a drop-in event for residents to meet the team and ask questions.

Ian Jowett, chair of Stapleford Towns Fund, said: “The Towns Fund is all about helping our town get back on track and this is one of our largest projects that aims to support local businesses, artists and creators, and create jobs.

“Through this investment, we can offer the very best facilities and something different to other towns. We want to give people a reason to come to Stapleford for work, leisure and pleasure, as we know this will help boost our local economy.”