The official opening of Stafford’s new-look Market Square will take place this weekend.
Major renovation works have taken place on the square as part of the first phase of the transformation of the High Street, with the work aimed at attracting more events and special markets.
Residents, shoppers and businesses are being invited to celebrate the opening on Saturday, 28 October with an event featuring entertainment, music, street food and drink starting at 12pm.
Stafford FM will be providing music and commentary throughout the day and there will be performances from Stafford Corps of Drums, jazz singer Sarah Eastwood, Stafford Rock Choir, local group Dappa Dance and a host of street performers.
Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Aidan Godfrey, who will officially mark the opening of the square, said: “The state of the town centre was the number one issue for local people – and we have made it our top priority. So, I am pleased we have been able to deliver the first phase of plans to rejuvenate the High Street.
“What we now have is a fitting centre piece for our county town and a Market Square which is fit for purpose to stage more events and quality markets in the future.”
The work has seen 2,500 square metres of paving installed, new furniture and planting, as well as significant improvements to the underground infrastructure such as utility supplies and drainage.
It was funded through a successful bid by the borough council to the government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF).
Earlier this month, senior councillors in Stafford gave the green light for the authority to purchase the former Co-op department store in the town centre with plans for a mix of retail, residential, market provision and a food court, as reported in Daily Focus here.
Work is also expected to start soon on enhancing the entrance and approach to Stafford Railway Station as part of the FHSF programme.
- Daily Focus recently reported on independent businesses in Stafford issuing a ‘use us or lose us’ plea, hoping to drum up more support. That story is available here.
