Residents, shoppers and visitors gave their views on a blueprint for a future Stafford town centre at a drop-in session last week.

And with the next session going ahead this Thursday (27th) the leader of Stafford Borough Council is encouraging more people to take the opportunity to see the town centre ‘Development Framework’.

The framework sets out a vision for 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 people came to the Guilldhall Shopping Centre last week (Thursday 20th) where councillors and officers were on hand to answer questions - and, as well as attracting local people, visitors from Newport, Cannock and Telford also took the time to find out more.

Derek Smith has lived in the area for more than 20 years and said he was looking forward to seeing 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.”

It was a view echoed by local businessman, 43-year-old Ben. The Managing Director of Digital Defined Marketing said: “Residential led regeneration is a smart growth strategy for the town. 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.”

Diane Harris, 68, is a ‘born and bred Staffordian’ who 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.”

Council leader, Aidan Godfrey, said it was good to have the opportunity of talking to people about the ‘Development Framework’ - and was pleased to see many positive comments from those attending.

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: “It was great to show residents, shoppers, and some people who were just visiting Stafford for the day, what our town centre could look like in the future. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with still a long way to go - and I think most of those coming to the drop-in sessions can now appreciate that, and what we are trying to achieve.”

An earlier report to councillors stated that with people’s shopping habits and leisure requirements changing, old-fashioned town centres across the country were no longer fit for purpose and needed to evolve.

He added: “What we are looking at is 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.”

The council has also stressed the iconic frontages of both the Guildhall and Co-op will be retained as part of the development.

The event on Thursday (27) also takes place at the Guildhall Centre from 11am until 3pm. There will be further sessions in September.

More about regeneration of the town can be seen from Stafford Regeneration | Stafford Borough Council

Press Release No 6321