Major regeneration scheme gets green light

A multi-million project to regenerate part of Newcastle town centre has taken a major step forward.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s cabinet has approved a series of measures which will pave the way for the redevelopment of York Place with public open space, shops and offices, begin work on the 450-space multi-storey car park and take the next steps towards the building of a 100-bed hotel.

The projects jointly form part of a £30m regeneration of the Ryecroft area, which also includes an Aspire development.

Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “York Place holds an important position, linking the important Ryecroft project to the wider town centre and its transformation will be significant, both in its own right and as part of the wider regeneration of the area.

“Equally important is the delivery of the new Castle car park, which is the cornerstone of this Ryecroft development because its presence will lift the town: a large, well-lit and safe car park will encourage people into Newcastle day and night and, in due course, allow us to redevelop the old Midway site and some other car parks.”

Contractors Willmott Dixon will demolish the existing building in York Place and clear the way for two shop and office buildings, with public open space between Ironmarket and Merrial Street.
Tagg added: “Supporting the long-term vitality of Newcastle town centre is a permanent priority and the bringing together of these diverse projects on two adjoining sites will increase footfall and boost local shops, restaurants and businesses.

“While these schemes will inevitably take a little time to come to fruition, I am delighted we are on the way to making them a reality.”

In 2020 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council secured £11mfrom the Government’s Future High Street Fund for the Ryecroft development blueprint, with £3.5m allocated to the car park development and £3m for York Place.