Former shopping site earmarked for indoor market

A former shopping centre site has been earmarked for a new indoor market area, a blueprint for future development in Stafford shows.

Up to 200 new homes, more than 3,000 sq m of commercial space and 6,000 sq m of education space are proposed under the plans.

The spaces set for development have all been purchased by Stafford Borough Council as part of its plans to regenerate the town centre.

The authority's deputy leader, Rob Kenney, said: "The overall vision is the council transform the north of Stafford town centre into a vibrant place to live, work and socialise, less reliant on retail and more mixed use, attractive and connected."

The council was awarded £14.3m from the government's Future High Streets Fund in December 2020, which was used to purchase a number of commercial properties.

The new town centre development framework now proposes a market hall be located at the former Guildhall Shopping Centre.

The previous indoor market venue, which was located next to the shopping mall, closed in 2024 and has been pulled down as part of the centre and multi storey car park demolition, with only historic frontages and the former Chapel Tower remaining.

Land formerly occupied by the indoor market hall and multistorey car park is set to be repurposed for mixed commercial and business use as well as town houses, apartments and parking.

Terraced houses and apartments are earmarked for the former Guildhall management suite, gym and car park off Earl Street.

Planning permission is being sought to demolish the former Broad Street Wilko site and 10-12 Gaolgate Street.

The Broad Street land is identified for educational use to enable Newcastle and Stafford College Group to expand its Stafford College campus.

Meanwhile, 10-12 Greengate Street, along with the former Co-op department store site, would become apartments.

Cabinet members approved the development framework at a meeting on Thursday, they also agreed for a public engagement exercise to be carried out with residents, businesses and other stakeholders.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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