A developer has been appointed to drive forward major town centre regeneration plans in the West Midlands.
Staffordshire County Council has brought in Liverpool-based property developer Ion Developments to take forward its Eastgate restoration project in the centre of Stafford.
Outline plans submitted by the developer include both residential and mixed-use developments as well as the reuse of a large part of the council’s former offices which are currently vacant.
New residential and commercial spaces will be supported by public realm and green spaces near to St Chad’s Place as well as a new ‘South Walls Square’.
Improved community connections and better access to River Sow are also included.
Elsewhere, ION is currently supporting Derby City Council with its own city centre regeneration.
Philip White, deputy council leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “We can now progress our ambitious plans for Eastgate and take them forward with ION Developments Ltd.
“By bringing in their knowledge and expertise to the scheme we can develop a first-class project, repurposing vacant buildings and land which will enable Stafford to prosper and grow.”
Steve Parry, managing director at ION Developments, said: “There is a huge opportunity within the Eastgate project to engage with the local community and stakeholders to create a destination area that will enhance the town’s desirability and boost its long-term social and economic prosperity, including its visitor economy.
“We are looking forward to bringing our experience of specialist regeneration projects to bear in Stafford and helping the council realise its ambitions for the town over the long-term.”
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