Stoke-on-Trent redevelopment takes a step closer

Author: David Howells - 27 March 2013

The first phase of a multi-million pound redevelopment to Stoke-on-Trent city centre has been given the green light by councillors, insidermedia.com reports.

Genr8 Developments has been granted permission to begin the first part of its wide-reaching development plans, which will see a 100,000 square foot office, large public library and public square erected in the city centre. This sizeable public square could also send developers looking for steel benches and outdoor litter bins to make the area tidy and visitor friendly.

Once completed, the total area of Genr8's proposals looks set to be closer to a whopping 1.2 million square feet.

The office space is expected to be snapped up by the local council as part of its aim to reduce the number of separate offices from which it conducts business. It is also hoped the development will act as a catalyst for regeneration and make the process of furthering the development plans much easier.

Now, applications are being welcomed from the likes of Sir Robert McAlpine, Laing O'Rourke and McLaren Construction for the £20 million building contract. Once granted, work could potentially begin right away as the site has already been cleared, although it is expected this may not be until summer.

Speaking of the developments, partner at Genr8, Mike Smith, told constructionenquirer.com: "This is an important milestone in the delivery of the Central Business District and we welcome the planning committee's decision, which will now enable us to make a real start on site in the summer.

"These first phase proposals will be the vital catalyst in attracting new business investment to the city centre and stimulating the economic regeneration of the whole area."