joshua
Well-Known Forumite
http://www.staffordshirenewsletter....oom-Stafford/story-28562295-detail/story.html
AN UNPRECEDENTED £1.2 billion of investments in shopping, business and homes developments are underway or about to come to fruition across Stafford borough - as interest in the region surges.
This week the borough council has revealed the true cost of the cash being ploughed into putting the borough on the map and making Stafford the place to be.
And an influx of businesses, retailers and housing developers, HS2 plans and news that the first Chinese college of its kind will be created at the old university campus at Beaconside, are ensuring the borough's position on the international stage.
Among the investments is the £100 million Riverside retail development, set to be completed by the summer. The retail units are expected to be handed over for fitting by the end of March and a long-awaited announcement on the cinema chain due to move into the site, is also imminent.
Related content
Chief executive Ian Thompson said: "Morrisons are opening two stores in 2016 and one of them is in Stafford. As far as we are concerned it is going to be Morrisons."
However, bosses hinted that if Morrisons was to pull out there would be no shortage of retailers rushing to take its place. They said when Debenhams pulled out of the Riverside development Primark quickly filled the space instead.
It has also been revealed that a developer wants to create 17 apartments in empty offices in Princes Street.
Council leader Patrick Farrington said: "Success breeds success. Stafford is fast becoming the place to be and we should be able to take advantage of some of these things.
"I am proud that our council has been key in providing the impetus to ensure this myriad of projects come to fruition."
The £1.2b of investment includes;
Councillor Farrington added: "There are towns and cities the length and breadth of this country which would give their eye teeth for development on this scale. We have worked hard to secure this investment for our community and will not stop until the final piece of the jigsaw is in place."
Ted Manders, head of planning and regeneration, added: "There are four airports – Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester and Liverpool - within an hour's journey and London will be brought ever close with HS2. Stafford is at the centre and it is a good choice for people who need somewhere central, although 70 per cent of people in the borough live and work here."
AN UNPRECEDENTED £1.2 billion of investments in shopping, business and homes developments are underway or about to come to fruition across Stafford borough - as interest in the region surges.
This week the borough council has revealed the true cost of the cash being ploughed into putting the borough on the map and making Stafford the place to be.
And an influx of businesses, retailers and housing developers, HS2 plans and news that the first Chinese college of its kind will be created at the old university campus at Beaconside, are ensuring the borough's position on the international stage.
Among the investments is the £100 million Riverside retail development, set to be completed by the summer. The retail units are expected to be handed over for fitting by the end of March and a long-awaited announcement on the cinema chain due to move into the site, is also imminent.
Related content
- Work to start on the Stafford Western Access Route this week
- Morrisons reviews plans for new Stafford store
- Concern over rumours Stafford’s new Morrisons supermarket will not open
- Stafford's Riverside development takes shape
- Multi-million pound Riverside development is a draw for businesses in Stafford
Chief executive Ian Thompson said: "Morrisons are opening two stores in 2016 and one of them is in Stafford. As far as we are concerned it is going to be Morrisons."
However, bosses hinted that if Morrisons was to pull out there would be no shortage of retailers rushing to take its place. They said when Debenhams pulled out of the Riverside development Primark quickly filled the space instead.
It has also been revealed that a developer wants to create 17 apartments in empty offices in Princes Street.
Council leader Patrick Farrington said: "Success breeds success. Stafford is fast becoming the place to be and we should be able to take advantage of some of these things.
"I am proud that our council has been key in providing the impetus to ensure this myriad of projects come to fruition."
The £1.2b of investment includes;
- £155m completion of a super garrison at MoD Stafford, including 346 news homes.
- £300m combined cycle gas turbine power station at Meaford Energy Centre.
- £20m in plots three, five and seven at Redhill Business Park.
- £19m on the Northfield Village, including a GP surgery, community hub, dementia and extra care units.
- £250m Norton Bridge rail improvements.
- £61m creation of 475 houses at Redhill.
- £15m water supply and sewerage upgrade.
- £6m Westbridge Park leisure centre.
- £47m creation of 361 Tixall Road housing.
- £2.5m M&S food store.
- £2.5m restoration of Victoria Park.
Councillor Farrington added: "There are towns and cities the length and breadth of this country which would give their eye teeth for development on this scale. We have worked hard to secure this investment for our community and will not stop until the final piece of the jigsaw is in place."
Ted Manders, head of planning and regeneration, added: "There are four airports – Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester and Liverpool - within an hour's journey and London will be brought ever close with HS2. Stafford is at the centre and it is a good choice for people who need somewhere central, although 70 per cent of people in the borough live and work here."
