Images released on proposals for derelict department store building

Images have been released to show how a former department store could look after a council agreed to buy it.

Stafford Borough Council has released computer generated images of proposals for the former Co-op building Gaolgate Street on Stafford high street.

Last month senior councillors gave the green light to buy the store which has been empty for more than a decade with proposals to convert into a mix of retail, food court, residential and market use as part of a major transformation of the area.

The images show how the traditional parts of the front of the building in Gaolgate Street will be retained with the rest being transformed.

The second image focuses on the rejuvenation of the inside of the old store and the potential for a food hall.

The money to purchase the store was secured by the council from the government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF).

Leader of the council, Aidan Godfrey, said these were exciting times for the future of the centre of the county town.

“Improving the town centre was the number one issue for local people – and it is now the top priority of this council. We are pushing ahead with some fantastic plans for our town and it is exciting to have a glimpse of what this run-down, former department store could look like in the future.

Deputy leader, Rob Kenney, who is leading on the town centre transformation, said: “What we are doing sends a strong message to potential businesses and investors that this is a town with big ambitions and a council who is prepared to take the lead to make that evolution happen.
“We will deliver a centre fit for the County Town, that residents will be proud of, businesses will want to invest in, and visitors will come to shop, eat and drink, socialise and spend their free time.

“Local people have waited a long time to see something happening and the plans we have for this prominent, disused building in the heart of the town centre is a huge statement of our intent.”