Stoke-on-Trent’s new Central Business District (CBD) has moved a step closer after planning permission was approved for the first phase of the multi-million pound development.
Part of the current civic centre in Stoke Town
The city council, which has invested substantially in the project, will become the anchor occupier of the CBD on completion of its 100,000 sq ft Hanley headquarters. This will involve abandoning the current civic centre in Stoke Town, a move which has proved unpopular with local traders and residents.
They fear that, when the council transfer their 2,000 staff to the £40 million Clarice Cliff inspired building, businesses in the town will suffer and the property will remain vacant for a considerable time.
However, a source has hinted at ‘exciting’ possibilities for the site and the council claims they have already received nearly 30 expressions of interest. Together with investment in the University Quarter, they are confident that redevelopment of the site will create a vibrant town centre.
Council leader Mohammed Parvez says; “Our regeneration strategy is about jobs and growth and securing the long-term future of our whole city.
“This is not about moving from Stoke to Hanley, but rather about regenerating the whole city area for future generations and creating jobs for local people.”
The council believes that the city has only around 50 per cent of the professional jobs a city the size of Stoke-on-Trent should have and that the CBD will create in the region of 4,000 new jobs. Alongside office space, the commercial development will include shops, cafés and hotels built around a central plaza.
bet365 and Stoke City FC chairman Peter Coates is among a host of local business figures to welcome the news about the CBD. He describes the council’s decision to relocate as a ‘courageous step’ which has the potential to create growth and pride in Stoke-on-Trent.
“This city is transforming under the council’s Mandate for Change, there is energy and excitement about the place and it’s what this city deserves,” he said.
The CBD is part of a wider regeneration programme which also includes a new shopping centre and improvements to the public realm. The first project to be completed was the city centre bus station, designed by award winning architects Grimshaw, which opened last month.
