Stafford Borough Council’s leader has welcomed a £10 million Budget boost for a new market hall, saying it will create opportunities for independent businesses and help drive town centre footfall.
Labour Councillor Aidan Godfrey, who leads the coalition administration, described the funding announced today as “a major win” for Stafford and a significant step towards delivering the authority’s wider regeneration ambitions.
The proposed market hall would bring together independent traders, food and drink, artisan retail and entertainment, forming the centrepiece of plans to transform the county town.
Councillor Godfrey said: “This is fantastic news for Stafford, a major win for our town centre, and contributes directly to the ambitious plans we set out for the county town.
“From the outset of this journey to transform our town centre we had earmarked a new market hall at the heart of our plans – and securing this funding means we can begin to realise those ambitions with a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
The council’s Development Framework also proposes new commercial opportunities, accommodation, pocket parks, improved public spaces and expanded college facilities, incorporating Stafford’s historic landmarks.
Hundreds of residents, shoppers and business representatives attended public sessions on the proposals, with the council reporting strong support for the market hall.
The authority has already used government funding to acquire the Guildhall Shopping Centre and former Co-op department store, both now demolished.
Demolition is also taking place at the former Wilko building, earmarked for additional Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group premises.
The council said this groundwork had helped attract interest from potential developers keen to invest in Stafford.
Councillor Godfrey thanked Leigh Ingham MP, the Government and council officers for their work in securing the funding.
He said the authority looked forward to working with partners to deliver a market that would serve the community for generations to come.
