Residents, shoppers and visitors shared their views on a blueprint for Stafford town centre's future at a drop-in session held at Guildhall Shopping Centre on Thursday 20th.
The event showcased the 'Development Framework' — a vision for regenerating the county town that includes a new market hall with artisan retail, food court, entertainment and business start-ups, a variety of accommodation, pocket parks, enhanced public spaces, and proposed expansion to the college, while incorporating historic landmarks in the design.
Dozens of local people attended, along with visitors from Newport, Cannock and Telford. Councillors and officers were on hand to answer questions.
What residents said
Derek Smith, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, said he was looking forward to regeneration taking place. "I think we need to go down the road of more accommodation and eateries in town centres. Town centres need to adapt as it will be the only way we will attract people back," he said.
Ben, a 43-year-old Managing Director of Digital Defined Marketing, said residential-led regeneration was a smart growth strategy. "It brings less stress on the roads with people more likely to use public transport, and providing a ready-made footfall for cafes, entertainment and smaller retail outlets and businesses. These proposals are nice to see and I'm very pleased it has included more investment in education," he said.
Diane Harris, 68, a lifelong Stafford resident, added: "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."
The regeneration project
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said it was good to have the opportunity to talk to people about the Development Framework, and was pleased to see many positive comments from those attending.
The vision has been described as the biggest transformation in the county town in a generation. It was kick-started when Stafford Borough Council used government money to buy the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and derelict former Co-op department store — both of which have been razed to the ground. Demolition is currently taking place on the former Wilko's building, earmarked as additional premises for Newcastle and Stafford College Group.
The groundwork undertaken by the council using government funding has helped spark interest from potential developers keen to invest in the area.
Next drop-in session
Another drop-in session on the Development Framework is taking place on Thursday 27th. Residents are encouraged to attend to see the plans and ask questions.
