Work on a city centre development is set to begin after contracts for infrastructure and enabling works were approved.
The Etruscan Square project, in Hanley, will see the former East/West precinct transformed into a new neighbourhood and leisure destination.
Plans include new homes, restaurants, leisure facilities, a hotel and also an arena in the final phase of the development.
Stoke on Trent City Council’s cabinet this week appointed Kier Construction for a pre-construction service agreement for the design and cost of the Mobility Hub at Meigh Street, in readiness for future phases at Etruscan Square.
It also appointed two contractors from Stoke-on-Trent to carry out site investigation works for the first phase of residential homes off Birch Terrace and Lichfield Street.
East Midlands Demolition, which has an office in Fenton, will demolish the former car park slab. A further award is to be announced for the geo technical engineer who will carry out ground investigation works with Trentham-based Townsend and Renaudon appointed as principal designer to oversee these works.
The city council has said work set to start before Christmas will include significant and complex site investigations including a number of trial holes to establish the state of the ground and any mitigation works needed prior to construction of the first phase of housing.
Councillor Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for regeneration, infrastructure and heritage said: “These contracts are a critical next step in the exciting Etruscan Square development and to achieve our vision for a fantastic new housing and leisure destination.
“Although this is an early stage, and some of it not visible, it is a necessary part of the process to transform this part of the city centre into attractive homes, outdoor spaces and leisure facilities, which will be fundamental to the success and vitality of the city centre as well as providing a range of job opportunities. It’s one of the largest city centre development sites in the region and will bring major investment into Stoke-on-Trent.
“The council, with the help of Levelling Up funding, is able to deliver these essential works to make the site build-ready and a highly attractive proposition to investors and developers.”
Etruscan Square is part of the city’s Levelling Up programme, which is using £20m in government funding to accelerate the council’s transformational plans for the area. The enabling works makes it possible for the private sector to invest in the site.
