Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Deal projects

Investment in town centre gateway sites

The Zanzibar building was a former nightclub that had been vacant for approximately 16 years. The site is in a prominent position on the A52 - a key route into Newcastle town centre.

Investment at this key gateway site will build upon the Advance Town Deal scheme to demolish the former nightclub. It will also unlock additional funding to create new homes and a small number of business units.

Town Deal investment will also fund part demolition and enabling works for the Midway multi storey carpark to make way for the development of new homes. It will create a more appropriate use for a site so close to the retail core that will complement the existing residential developments at the Midway.

Astley Centre for Circus and Performing Arts

Newcastle under Lyme’s unique contribution to world culture is as the birthplace of the man who invented the modern circus, Philip Astley.

Astley’s has been celebrated by successful town centre events such as AstleyFest - a celebration of the 250th anniversary of modern circus; and the annual ‘Homecoming’ - a circus inspired event in Newcastle town centre.

The Astley Centre will build on these successful events and the presence of the New Vic Theatre to create a dedicated Centre for Circus in the town centre.

The centre will embrace training and skills development; education and participation; history, research and pedagogy (‘circademia’) and tourism and heritage.

This project presents the opportunity to celebrate the importance of circus heritage to Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Keele in Town (Digital Society Centre)

Keele in Town will transform an empty nineteenth century building on Ironmarket into a mixed-use facility. It will enable businesses and non-profit organisations to connect with the specialist expertise of Keele University alongside areas for Keele students and staff to get together, to study and to connect with the community.

The building will be kitted out with modern working and meeting spaces and offer digital connectivity to the community. It will provide flexible spaces for learning and small businesses. It aims to drive productivity and increase skill levels in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire.