Work has begun to knock down a town’s shopping centre.
Internal work has commenced on the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford, with Cawarden landing the contract for its partial demolition and also that of the derelict former Co-op Department store.
The historic frontages of both buildings will be retained.
The main demolition project will also include the adjoining 255-space multi-storey car park – which was shut due to safety concerns – and is due to begin in the new year to avoid impact on Christmas trade.
Stafford Borough Council Deputy Leader Rob Kenney said: “I’m really pleased we have Cawarden as the contractor who will be undertaking work which will prepare the site so that we can attract even more investment to the county town.
“We purchased the Guildhall and are acquiring the former Co-op to speed up the pace of major regeneration of the High Street with the aim of creating 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: “We were very impressed with the submissions we received from contractors from across the country.
“It is obvious from their feedback that Stafford is making all the right noises on a national stage for our exciting town centre plans.”
Cawarden Commercial Director Oliver Crooks said: “This project marks a vital step toward the area’s regeneration, and we look forward to playing our part by paving the way for the future developments.”
The borough council bought the ailing shopping centre and former Co-op using money secured from the government to help speed up transformation of the town – and will prepare the sites for a developer to create commercial and residential schemes.
More than a dozen contractors expressed an interest in undertaking the work on the buildings – with the council receiving six tenders.
Buildings on the eastern frontage of the Guildhall along Greengate Street, and the existing and occupied buildings at Market Square, are to be retained – as will the commercial units along Crabbery Street and fronting St Mary’s Grove.
The buildings retained on Crabbery Street will be improved to encourage individual outlets to set up in the town centre. The offices being kept for businesses that front St Mary’s Grove are also being enhanced.
An application for the proposed business and homes scheme for the Guildhall is expected to be submitted during the next 12 months.
