Developers have revealed their intention to significantly invest in a large Stoke-on-Trent employment site with a scheme they say could act as a catalyst for other regeneration.
Plans have been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council by Amatrix Stoke PropCo Limited to demolish the former Pets at Home warehouse at Trentham Lakes and replace it with a new 15,283 sq m storage and distribution building.
It has not been revealed who will occupy the site, or how many jobs the scheme could create but the development has been described as ‘high quality’ and one which would ‘promote and support employment growth’.
The Stanley Matthews Way site was previously occupied by Pets at Home and was their national distribution centre but has been vacant for some time – the business relocated to a more suitable facility in Stafford due to the existing one no longer being fit for purpose.
Documents submitted with the plans say the existing unit has fallen into a state of disrepair and is deemed to have reached the end of its useful economic lifespan.
A design and access statement prepared by UMC Architects on behalf of the applicant reads: “The existing facility has reached the end of its economic life and is no longer deemed to be fit for purpose for potential occupiers.
“The redevelopment of the site to provide a modern storage and distribution facility would reinstate economic activity on this underutilised brownfield site, creating jobs and improving productivity. Considering the prevailing policy context and the existing B8 use on the site we consider that the principle of development to be acceptable.”
The existing building on the site has a gross internal area of 25,616 sq m.
The plans also include ancillary office accommodation and support buildings, a three-level 689-space van deck and associated access, 217 parking spaces, servicing area, plant, landscaping, and infrastructure.
The document adds: “The proposal represents a high-quality development and represents a substantial investment to the area.
“In particular, the development will help to promote and support employment growth and stimulate economic investment to the area, cohesive with regional and local aspirations.
“It is anticipated that this development could act as a catalyst for further regeneration
to create a number of new jobs and investment for the local community.”
The plans are still on the consultation period and a decision is expected to be made on them by 10 February next year.
