Withnail
Well-Known Forumite
We've got two already, including one that isn't one but is something i'm not entirely convinced is dissimilar, but have been told off about in the past.
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M&S Development at Riverside now under review & in doubt
- Thread starter Franklin_Delano_Roosevelt
- Start date
gilbert grape
Well-Known Forumite
There seems to be a lot of people talking about this whole bunch of developments like it's a stand alone revolution that nobody will ever use.
There are new homes already being built on the edge of the ring road, the town is expanding year on year and with MOD expansion and the economy to take off again at some time in the future it's likely that things will come together at some point.
My main concern is still traffic flow because, as we all know, Stafford does not have any alternative routes and the Queensway will soon be another major thoroughfare that includes another junction and more traffic lights. I hope that the pedestrian crossings have extensive railings either side to prevent jay walking muppets trying to cross where they have never been able to!
There are new homes already being built on the edge of the ring road, the town is expanding year on year and with MOD expansion and the economy to take off again at some time in the future it's likely that things will come together at some point.
My main concern is still traffic flow because, as we all know, Stafford does not have any alternative routes and the Queensway will soon be another major thoroughfare that includes another junction and more traffic lights. I hope that the pedestrian crossings have extensive railings either side to prevent jay walking muppets trying to cross where they have never been able to!
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
We could just end up with a load of empty shops inside a contra-rotating wall of death...
Withnail
Well-Known Forumite
Is that a Fantasy Addition to Stafford?
gilbert grape
Well-Known Forumite
Or we could end up with a thriving County Town. What the powers that be have to make sure of, is that the Town isn't strangled by lack of access.
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
I know what your saying about how we have a number of budget hotels but most are on the outskirts and even the travel lodge is a walk into town and a little tucked away. I would think a modern budget hotel in the centre of town would do well and bring people into the town centre.
With hindsight the redevelopment of the Queens retail park should have been restricted to non clothing stores but we are where we are and I wonder if there is demand for so much retail space that is planned at Riverside and believe the area would be better off as a mixed use site
Stafford has some of the lowest vacant retail space in the country at around 8% average is 15%. the town is expected to expand by around 15% to 2031 there are already retailers expressing an interest in setting up in Stafford.more bigger shops will help increase footfall which in turn will encourage more retailers to set up and so on. i don't think traffic will put people off if the shops are good enough ventura park is proof of that
1JKz
Well-Known Forumite
cull all 'development' i say, use what we have, get creative with what we have and keep Stafford town as is, or it will cease to be a town 'we' love to live in and end up looking like (when you've beer goggles on) a dolled up Cannock and no one wants to see that, right gang?
gilbert grape
Well-Known Forumite
"Cull all develoment?" Are you sure? Tesco car park and store was virtually condemned and is filling space. Most of the Civic Office area will be vacated, just as the units underneath have been and riverside car park will be replaced with new car parking with room on top for development.
I can't see what''s negative about that as all will be replacing what was there, but only smarter.
I can't see what''s negative about that as all will be replacing what was there, but only smarter.
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
1JKz
Well-Known Forumite
There's the problem! We don't replace what was there but 'smarter', tescos was indeed there, their (or what was their) building is still standing, and where are they now? just down the road and what will happen when they decide to vacate where they are now? I will predict the same thing, empty shed standing for a few years whilst the planners sit around drinking brews and eating digestives deciding how to correct for the best, in the mean time we get to stare at a whopping great eyesore!!
So, yes i think i'm justified in saying cull all development, i can only go on what the past has provided and it is never as rosy as promised.
Easter Island people!
Gramaisc, they picture taken over the Chase the weekend?
John Marwood
I ♥ cryptic crosswords
tek-monkey
wanna see my snake?
Bit of a downward spiral though isn't it, less shops will mean less people. Mind you, nobody I know really shops for things like clothes in Stafford anymore. I buy nearly all my clothes online though, poor choice and high prices forced me away from the high street and I suspect many others felt the same. The net result is we now have even less choice, a shame but I wont pay over the odds for something if I don't have to. I may want a thriving high street, but I won't subsidise failing businesses with my limited wages.
gilbert grape
Well-Known Forumite
If the area in question was left as it is, i feel the area would depreciate visibly, socially and financially. As ever, it's all about balance.
henryscat
Well-Known Forumite
Gather that some work due to start:
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/bus...fford-Regeneration--Development-Projects.aspx
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/bus...fford-Regeneration--Development-Projects.aspx
United57
Well-Known Forumite
littleme
250,000th poster!
Still doesnt say when it will start though...