A flagship regeneration project will have created around 400 jobs by the time it opens, the city council has said.
Developers Capital&Centric are working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to develop Goods Yard in Stoke, a new canalside neighbourhood with space used for leisure, retail and workspace.
The development is due to be completed Spring this year and the council has now revealed that it has already added £63 million to the local economy and created job opportunities for 190 workers – 107 of which are local to Stoke-on-Trent.
Approximately 237 local jobs are later set to be created in leisure and hospitality, with an estimated annual employment impact of £5.4 million.
Since starting on site contractors Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) have engaged with nearly 3,000 students from schools and colleges across Stoke-on-Trent, highlighting a range of careers in the construction industry.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Goods Yard is a first-of-its-kind scheme for Stoke-on-Trent but it’s far greater than bricks and mortar. It’s great to see the social benefits coming to fruition with a number of successful apprenticeships and local people employed during construction.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Capital&Centric and B+K who both prioritise local impact. We’ll also see many more jobs and opportunities once Goods Yard is complete next year, making a real difference to people and the local economy.”
Ajmal Muhammed from Stoke-on-Trent College successfully completed a placement with B+K and has since been accepted onto a degree apprenticeship programme as a trainee quantity surveyor.
He said: “I’ve been here a few months now and my favourite part of the site is The Vaults, I’ve just never seen anything like it before it’s really interesting.
“I will be helping to finish the Goods Yard which is really exciting, then once it’s complete I’ll be moving onto another B+K project. I have just started at Salford University too where I am working towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor.”
Mona Baig, Social Value Co-ordinator at B+K, said: “We are pleased to have achieved our social value targets on the Goods Yard project. Engaging positively within the community is of utmost importance to us.
“Stoke-on-Trent offers a wide range of diverse talents for which we have been happy to provide and facilitate opportunities for on this major local project.
“We hope our continued engagement with job seekers, young people and local charities within the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire area will create a long-term positive impact to the local community. With thanks to our supply chain partners, we look forward to continuing our support within the local area.”
Once the project is complete, the former train station site will feature 174 new homes for rent and 30,000 sq ft of commercial space.
