Work begins on £60m ‘once in a generation’ scheme
Work to build one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most ambitious projects in a generation has officially begun.
Construction is now underway at Capital&Centric’s Goods Yard – a £60m scheme at an industrial site next to the west coast mainline train station into a new neighbourhood.
The developer is partnering with Stoke-on-Trent City Council on the project, backed by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Initial work will see some of the existing sheds, built in the 1980s and with no architectural value will be dismantled, clearing the way for a mix of restored spaces and new builds.
The scheme will include 174 homes for rent; work spaces; independent bars, cafes and shops and outdoor space open to the public.
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “This is a mega moment for Stoke-on-Trent and our progress has been rapid. This time last year, we were just consulting the community and sharing our initial ideas. Flash forward and we’ve since submitted and had the plans green lit and are now getting going on site.
“Tonnes has changed in that short time – least of all the national economic climate – but we’re determined to deliver the goods for Stoke-on-Trent in partnership with the council. Whilst every inch of the neighbourhood has been designed to be one of the Midlands’ standout destinations, we also need it to be an inclusive and vibrant community where locals can hang out.
“It’s important that the communities we build embrace and reflect the identity of the place. Goods Yard is no different and there’ll be bags of opportunities for locals to get involved in the coming years as the neighbourhood takes shape.”
Prep work for different areas of the neighbourhood will begin this year.
Set for completion in 2025, construction is expected to create around 75 jobs and 12 apprenticeships.
Councillor Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Breaking the ground at The Goods Yard is ground-breaking for Stoke-on-Trent and there’s a buzz of excitement for what’s to come from creative work spaces and city living to waterside cafés and bars.
“Capital&Centric is a proven developer using bold and beautiful design to create vibrant places and it’s fantastic that we can now start see this new neighbourhood take shape with builder Bowmer & Kirkland active on site.
“Critically for the city, it is the first of our transformational Levelling Up projects to be delivered and in less than a year from the government’s funding announcement. Our ambition to bring jobs, skills, business growth and further investment to the city is being realised and the positive impact will be felt right across the city.”
