Stoke residential scheme gets backing from city planners

A development of 21 flats in Hanley has been given the green light.

Nottingham-based ALB Group put forward the plans, which will see the vacant office space in Fountain Square, Hanley, transformed into housing.

Managing director at ALB Group, Arran Bailey said: “The town has a desperate need for more housing, and this project will be vital to the wider economy in that area. By allowing more people to live in Hanley, it will mean that shops, cafes and restaurants will ultimately benefit from the increased footfall.”

The site was bought by the team at ALB Group back in October 2020.

The plans passed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council will see the empty site transformed within six months, with work starting imminently by HBW Construction.

It is expected that the new flats will provide buy to let investments for young working professionals, or for student living.

David Carnell from Swish, the architect behind the project, said: “Located right in the heart of Hanley, this redevelopment of a tired office block will provide town centre living raised above the busy streets, with everyday needs just a stone’s throw away.

“With easy access to the train station to the south providing good services to Manchester, Birmingham and London, Hanley is the ideal place to live.”

Bailey added: “We are delighted that the planners saw and understood our vision for this project, and we hope that it will bring a much needed boost to the town.”