Stafford is set to receive almost £20million of Levelling Up funding for its ‘Station Gateway’ project, which will see new homes, business and a multi-storey car park built on disused land.
Daily Focus reported in November 2023 that the scheme had the Government’s backing, but it was subsequently delayed due to the general election.
But the Government has now confirmed that Stafford Borough Council will receive just under £20 million towards the project, which includes a hotel, up to 900 new homes, 30,000 square feet of commercial space and a 350-space multi-storey car park, along with retail and leisure facilities on ‘underutilised brownfield land’ around the railway station.
The scheme is a partnership between the Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Network Rail.
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said: “It is great to now have confirmation that we will be receiving this money, which demonstrates the confidence the Government has in us, and our partners, to deliver growth for the area. We have consistently demonstrated our ambition for Stafford town and attracted significant investment, and interest, in the borough.
“We are perfectly placed by road, rail and air for new businesses to flourish and the Stafford Gateway will be a thriving, vibrant new community within the town where people want to live, work and visit and all sustainably connected to the railway station.”
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages, met with Alex Norris, Minister for Democracy and Local Growth in late 2024 to discuss the project.
She said: “The Station Gateway project will bring great value to Stafford, creating housing, leisure, and commercial space, while being an important part of our town centre regeneration.
“I’m delighted to confirm the Minister’s support, which will help ensure that funding can be drawn down and the project can progress efficiently.”
The new Newcastle and Stafford College Group’s £22.5million Institute of Technology for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, backed by Keele University, Siemens, and Dell among others, is expected to open this year on the Gateway site.
The masterplan for the Stafford Station Gateway project can be found here.
Are there any leisure facilities – ice skating. – go karting or – youth clubs factored into this scheme – Stafford doesn’t need any more empty retail outlets .
Car park ???? There is one in the middle of town that is not in use.
More housing who is the housing for?
Get rid of the eyesaws in town especially the ones at the end of town it’s a mess feel like I’m in shanty town.