Following a competitive procurement exercise, Staffordshire County Council has selected ION Developments as preferred development partner for its Eastgate Regeneration scheme in Stafford.

The scheme comprises two adjacent development sites in Stafford town centre and the council hopes the redevelopment will increase the area’s attraction to new residents, businesses and visitors, helping to establish Stafford as a leading UK county town.

Outline proposals have been submitted by ION for residential and mixed-use developments on the sites including the potential reuse of a large part of the former County Council offices which are currently vacant. As preferred development partner, in the coming months ION will work closely with the Council, architecture practice Glancy Nicholls and engineering specialists Curtins to carry out surveys and progress designs for the scheme to establish viability.

The proposals are likely to include new public realm and green spaces near to St Chad’s Place and a new ‘South Walls Square’, supported by a mix of living and commercial spaces to create more engaging spaces for locals and visitors. They also feature a connectivity strategy aimed at creating greater access to Stafford’s unique assets such as the River Sow, and better connecting educational, commercial and leisure facilities to residential areas. 

ION will work closely with the council and other partners to ensure historical buildings of significance such as the former County Staff Club and 14 St. Martin Street are preserved and restored, while the reuse and repurposing of more modern structures will also be maximised to minimise the carbon footprint of the redevelopment.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:

“We can now progress our ambitious plans for Eastgate and take them forward with ION Developments Ltd. By bringing in their knowledge and expertise to the scheme we can develop a first-class project, repurposing vacant buildings and land which will enable Stafford to prosper and grow.

“Town centre regeneration is one of the main priorities of the county council and we have assets in the heart of the county town which we can develop, create jobs with and boost the local economy.

“Eastgate will present us with a first-class regeneration scheme which will enable us to support the transformation of Stafford town centre – making it a prime location to live, visit and invest in.”

ION has more than 30 years’ experience of working with local authorities to deliver transformational urban regeneration projects in Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Wolverhampton and Denbighshire. It is currently supporting Derby City Council on its long-term plans for the regeneration of Derby city centre.

Steve Parry, managing director at ION Developments, said: 

“We believe places are all about people and people need to experience exciting locations with a choice of high-quality homes, access to jobs, a high-quality public realm and good transport links. 

“There is a huge opportunity within the Eastgate project to engage with the local community and stakeholders to create a destination area that will enhance the town’s desirability and boost its long-term social and economic prosperity, including its visitor economy.

“We are looking forward to bringing our experience of specialist regeneration projects to bear in Stafford and helping the council realise its ambitions for the town over the long-term.”