Stafford masterplan set to create mixed-use community
A masterplan for Stafford has been approved by the council which includes proposals to create 900 homes alongside up to 20,000 sq ft of commercial space.
As HS2 is expected to cut travel time to London to 53 minutes, the council hopes that Stafford will become a major new transport hub and the masterplan will set in place the amenities needed to maximise the opportunity on the town’s doorstep.
Other features include a hotel and multi-storey car park and opportunities for brand new leisure, retail and food and beverage concepts for the community.
The regeneration framework for the Stafford Station Gateway was given the go-ahead by Stafford Borough Council’s Cabinet yesterday (January 19) The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, and placemaking and regeneration expert LCR.
The news follows six weeks of community consultations, which saw more than 250 local residents, business, and stakeholders have their say on plans.
Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning at the borough council, said: “Growth and prosperity are key priorities for the council. Working closely with partners we have attracted huge investment to our borough and that is testament to the confidence investors have in us to deliver major developments such as the Stafford Station Gateway project.
“It is great to see this exciting project progress another stage forward, with a transformational blueprint to breathe life into this underutilised area of our county town”.
Nick Smithson, senior development manager at LCR, said: “Endorsement of the masterplan marks the beginning of an exciting journey to breathe new life into Stafford. The masterplan for the development aims to emphasise the vibrant and thriving community that Stafford has been cultivating.
“Crucially, the plans are centred around the town’s residents and businesses, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came to have their say on the plans and help shape them into something truly bespoke to the community”.
The partnership between the Councils and LCR will now work towards appointing design and development partners to create detailed plans to regenerate the area.
