A council has described reaching an agreement to buy a shopping centre in Uttoxeter as an ‘exciting moment’ and a ‘key piece’ in plans to regenerate the town.
East Staffordshire Borough Council has purchased the Maltings Precinct from Systemshare Ltd after months of discussions, which at one point looked as though the council would have to proceed with a compulsory purchase order.
However, the deal has now been done by mutual agreement with the landowner.
It follows the purchase of the former Co-op building in 2023, alongside the land that is already owned by the council.
Councillor Paul Walker, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to come to an agreement with Systemshare and that all parties could work quickly and effectively to get this done, once negotiations recommenced.
“This is an exciting moment for the council and hopefully for the residents of Uttoxeter as we can now turn our attention to improving the Maltings area and creating an attractive and inviting gateway to Uttoxeter High Street.”
Malcolm Barrett, owner of Systemshare Ltd, said: “We are pleased that this transaction has now concluded, and we are wholly behind the council’s plans for the re-development of the area.
“We offer them our full support going forward in delivering a scheme that we believe will be for the greater benefit of Uttoxeter.”
The council has said it is continuing to work on developing its long-term plans for regenerating the Maltings and is looking at different options for delivering this.
Short term enhancements being made in the area in 2025/26 include the precinct’s demolition, refurbishing the Bradley Street toilets, improving connectivity between the High Street, bus station and car park, upgrading lighting and seating and working with Staffordshire County Council to facilitate the full pedestrianisation of the High Street.
