Stafford Borough Council is inviting residents, shoppers and visitors to view its 'Development Framework' — the blueprint for what could be the biggest transformation of the county town in a generation. A number of drop-in sessions are planned, running between 11am and 3pm at the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford town centre, with dates across July, August and September.
What's planned?
The framework sets out a vision for a revitalised town centre that includes:
- A new market hall with artisan retail, a food court, entertainment and space for business start-ups
- A range of new accommodation
- Pocket parks and improved public spaces
- An expanded campus for Newcastle and Stafford College Group
- Retained historic frontages, including the Guildhall and former Co-op building
The council used government funding from the Future High Streets Fund to buy the Guildhall Shopping Centre and the derelict former Co-op department store, both of which have since been demolished. The former Wilko building is currently being demolished to make way for the college expansion. The same fund has already paid for a refurbished Market Square and improvements to the entrance of Stafford Railway Station.
The groundwork has begun to attract interest from private developers, with businessman Ed Bassett — who is exploring investment in the town — describing the proposals as "exciting" and calling for progress toward the development stage.
What the council says
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said the events are a chance to bring residents along on "the next stage of this exciting journey," adding that the aim is to move away from empty shopfronts and a daytime-only high street toward somewhere people genuinely want to live and spend time.
Deputy leader Councillor Rob Kenney added that the framework is designed to create "an attractive, modern and well-connected town centre" with a strong focus on heritage, adding that the plans had already generated significant interest from potential developers.
Keep an eye on the council's website for confirmed session dates, and if you're in Stafford on a drop-in day, it's well worth popping in to have your say.
Source: staffordbc.gov.uk
