The leader of Stafford Borough Council has welcomed news that they will be getting £10m towards a new Market Hall in the town centre.

Councillor Aidan Godfrey said their blueprint for ambitious town centre transformation plans, which were revealed earlier this year, had placed a modern market hall with independent traders, food and drink, artisan retail and entertainment at the heart of any development.

The vision received huge support among hundreds of residents, shoppers and business people who attended a number of drop-in sessions to talk about the proposals.

Now it has been announced by the Chancellor, John Healey, in his budget today (Wednesday), that there would be £10m for a new market hall. The leader thanked Leigh Ingham MP, the Government, and council officers involved in the project.

Councillor Godfrey, said “This is fantastic news for Stafford, a major win for our town centre, and contributes directly to the ambitious plans we set out for the county town.

“From the outset of this journey to transform our town centre we had earmarked a new market hall at the heart of our plans - and securing this funding means we can begin to realise those ambitions with a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”

The council’s ‘Development Framework’ also sets out wider proposals for more commercial opportunities, variety of accommodation, pocket parks, enhanced public spaces, and expansion to the college - while incorporating historic landmarks in the design.

Described as the biggest transformation in the county town in a generation - the vision was kick-started when the borough council used government money to buy the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and derelict former Co-op Department store - which have both been razed to the ground. And demolition is currently taking place on the former Wilko’s building that has been 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 who are keen to invest in the area.  

Councillor Godfrey continued: “At our recent public drop-in sessions, residents, shoppers and business people spoke positively about our vision for a new market hall. This will provide opportunities for independent traders, support local enterprise and help drive footfall into the town centre, while creating a space for people to meet, shop, eat and enjoy events.

“We are grateful to Leigh Ingham MP for her determination in making the case for Stafford, to the Government for recognising the potential of this project, and our council officers who continue to work hard in the background to bring about the biggest transformation in the town centre in a generation. And we look forward to working with partners to deliver a market that will serve our community for generations to come.”  

You can view the full ‘Development Framework’ from Stafford Regeneration | Stafford Borough Council

Press Release Number 6341