Consultants appointed to multimillion-pound regeneration project

A consultant team has been appointed to help deliver the masterplan for Stafford Station Gateway, a multimillion-pound regeneration project that will transform 28 hectares of land adjacent to the town’s railway station into a new commercial, residential and leisure development.

Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Network Rail are partnering with regeneration specialist LCR on the scheme, which aims to help the local area capitalise on Stafford railway station’s position on the HS2 line.

After signing on formally in March, LCR is working with the project group to establish a delivery framework for the scheme and has now appointed a consultant team to take the masterplan forward.

The team is made up of architect Hawkins/Brown, engineering firm WSP, planning and development advisor CBRE and cost consultant Faithful+Gould.

The project group is also finalising a delivery framework for the masterplan, with a view to moving swiftly into implementation.

The Stafford Station Gateway developed from work with the Constellation Partnership, and includes three areas, Gateway North, Gateway Central and Gateway South or the Station Plaza.

The masterplan will deliver a public realm with a business district, new homes, retail and leisure units, a hotel and new pedestrian access to Stafford railway station.

James Howard, development manager for LCR, said: “This masterplan will unlock the full potential of the land surrounding the railway station and share the economic opportunity HS2 presents with the local community, delivering new homes, jobs, leisure facilities and green spaces.

“The appointment of a consultant team is an important step forward. Their expertise and support will help us realise an ambitious vision for Stafford Station Gateway underpinned by investment and the creation of public value. We’re excited for work to begin.”

Cllr Frances Beatty at Stafford Borough Council said: “One of our top priorities is the growth of our borough and this scheme can help regenerate this key gateway to our county town.

“We have ambitious plans to bring the best quality commercial and residential development to the heart of Stafford and our aspirational masterplan for the station gateway, on the back of HS2, is a great opportunity to deliver this.”