Work on a multi-million-pound North Staffordshire development which is set to create hundreds of jobs is back on track after weeks of uncertainty.
Development at the Chatterley Valley West employment site, near Newcastle-under-Lyme and just off the A500, started in January.
However, when the initial highways contractor Buckingham Group went into administration earlier this year it brought a halt to the work.
It also led to frustration for commuters as Peacock Hay Road, a popular route for rush hour motorists, had to remain closed.
Now project developer Harworth Group has appointed Amey Plc to complete the highways infrastructure phase. This work is now due to be completed by late Spring 2024, when Peacock Hay Road will reopen.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “The administration of one of the sub-contractors working on the development was outside of our control but we do recognise the inconvenience and disruption this delay has caused to local people and businesses.
“Thankfully we moved with Harworth as quickly as possible to find a solution to the Peacock Hay Road issue and are now back on track with the works.
“We’d like to thank people for their patience and understanding and can assure people that the team will be working hard to complete as soon as possible.
“When complete, the site will enable existing businesses to expand and for new ones to invest in Staffordshire, from across the UK and internationally.”
The brownfield site could create up to 1,700 jobs and will be one of the biggest business developments in the north of the county in decades.
Chatterley Valley West is set to see major private sector investment, with an additional £3.7 million funding through the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Kidsgrove Town Deal.
A further £3.5 million investment is being made by Staffordshire County Council which will be paid back through business rates that are wholly retained within the area.
Outline planning permission for the site allows for up to 1.17 million square feet (109,000 sqm) of development.
