Genr8 gains planning approval for Stoke business district

GENR8 Developments has gained outline planning consent for the 500,000 sq ft first phase of a scheme to build a new Central Business District in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Manchester-based developer, led by the chairman of Greater Manchester’s Business Leadership Group, John Early, is the city council’s development partner for the project. It will contain a mix of new office, retail and public realm.

Genr8 will now look to submit a more detailed planning application for an initial 100,000 sq ft of buildings on a site behind the Potteries Museum and art gallery close to a new Tesco store off Broad Street.

Mike Smith, of Genr8, said: “The Central Business District will create a vibrant mix of commercial business opportunities in the city centre. This planning approval grants outline consent for the initial phases of an even larger scheme and it is fantastic news for the city.”

Councillor Mervin Smith, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for city development, said: “The Central Business District is designed to create a vibrant day and night time economy which will complement other city centre schemes such as the East West Shopping Centre redevelopment, Mitchell Memorial Theatre, new bus station and city centre living.”

It is expected that the planning application for the initial phase will be submitted later in 2011 to allow for a start on site early in 2012.

Eventually, more than 1m sq ft of space is planned for the business district over a 10-15 year period.