The leader of Stafford Borough Council has welcomed “significant” interest from investors and developers who are keen to be a part of the transformation of the town centre.

Councillor Aidan Godfrey made his comments after meeting several major developers recently to discuss regeneration of the sites of the Guildhall Shopping Centre and former Co-op Department store on the High Street.

Work is already well underway to demolish parts of both buildings to prepare the groundwork for development. This also includes the 255-space multi-storey car park adjoining the Guildhall which was shut due to safety concerns.

The money for the purchase and demolition of the buildings was funded by the government following a successful bid by the borough council. And the council revealed recently they were in discussions to buy more sites in the town centre.

There were very few traders left inside the shopping centre when it was acquired by the council - and the former department store has been derelict for more than a decade.

The council has said it would like to see a commercial, retail and residential offer across both sites - although the iconic frontages of the two buildings will be retained in any redevelopment.

Councillor Godfrey said: “I was really pleased to see first-hand how much interest there is from major developers who are keen to be part of the transformation of our town centre.

“We were able to share our vision with them and talk them through our new ’Investment Prospectus’ which has been targeted specifically at key investors and developers and details what we have to offer.

“Our conversations were very positive and we are now looking forward to them visiting the town to see for themselves the opportunities we are providing and to have further discussions about how we can work together to deliver transformation for Stafford.”

The leader also stressed that town centres had to evolve which was something the investors and market experts made clear during their discussions.

He continued: “Online shopping and out of town retail parks have changed the retail landscape. It has been made clear to us that we have to be creative in our vision and look at a mix of smaller retail outlets alongside other businesses - such as leisure and hospitality - with town centre living.”

The borough council completed a £1 million refurbishment of the town’s Market Square in 2023 and improved the entrance and approach to Stafford Railway Station last month using government money.

Deputy leader, Rob Kenney, who has responsibility for the town centre, said the transformation of the town was the council’s top priority.

“Our aim is to create a county town residents can be proud of; where visitors want to come and shop; where people want to socialise and spend time using hospitality venues, and where more businesses want to invest.”

He added: “It is obvious from the feedback we have received that Stafford is making all the right noises on a national stage for the exciting plans we have for the town centre.”

The leader and senior council officers met with investors at a national property event recently.

Press Release No 6218