Stafford Borough Council is holding three more drop-in sessions this week for residents, shoppers and visitors to view the 'Development Framework' — a blueprint for the future of Stafford town centre.
Around 100 people attended the latest session at Guildhall Shopping Centre last week, with the vast majority saying they liked the proposals on display.
What the framework includes
The Development Framework sets out a vision for a new market hall with artisan retail, a food court, entertainment and business start-ups. The plans also include a variety of accommodation, pocket parks, enhanced public spaces, and a proposed expansion to the college, while incorporating historic landmarks in the design.
The iconic frontages of both the Guildhall and the former Co-op building will be retained as part of the development.
Drop-in session times
Sessions are running from 11am to 3pm and from 11am to 1pm this week at the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
Visitors from Newport, Cannock, Cheadle and Telford have also attended previous sessions to find out more about the proposals.
Background to the regeneration
Stafford Borough Council used government money to buy the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and the derelict former Co-op department store, both of which have been demolished. 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 has helped spark interest from potential developers keen to invest in the area.
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said the vision represents a 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."
Diane Harris, a long-time Stafford resident aged 68, attended last week's session and said: "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."
