Around 600 people have attended drop-in sessions over recent weeks to view plans for Stafford town centre's future. Council officers displayed images and answered questions about the town's Development Framework, which sets out a vision for major transformation.

The majority of attendees supported the proposals and encouraged the council to proceed quickly with implementation. Long-time Stafford resident Diane Harris, 68, expressed a common sentiment: "I've seen a lot of changes over the years, and it would be nice to see the town transformed as soon as possible. What I have seen today looks good - now they have just got to get on with it."

What the Development Framework Proposes

The blueprint includes a new market hall, artisan retail, a food court, entertainment spaces, and business start-ups. It also proposes a variety of accommodation options, pocket parks, enhanced public spaces, and expansion to Newcastle and Stafford College Group. The design will incorporate historic landmarks.

How the Regeneration Started

Stafford Borough Council used government money to purchase the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and the derelict former Co-op Department store. Both buildings have been demolished. The former Wilko's building is currently being demolished and has been earmarked as additional premises for Newcastle and Stafford College Group.

The groundwork undertaken by the council has attracted interest from potential developers keen to invest in the area.

Council Response

Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Aidan Godfrey, said: "It was great to be able to talk to people face to face about what the exciting proposals are for our county town. Most were supportive of what they could see but it was also good to listen to their concerns - as well as being able to address some misinformation."

Godfrey added that the transformation aims to shift away from "tired and vacant shopfronts in a high street that operates primarily in the daytime to a place that people are proud to live in and, equally importantly, want to spend their time in."

Sessions and Next Steps

Local businesses attended an initial event at St Mary's Church last month. Five public sessions then took place at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, with the final session held on Saturday 5 September. The full Development Framework is available from Stafford Regeneration.