Project to regenerate key part of town centre progresses
Plans to regenerate a key part of Newcastle town centre are moving forward.
Proposals for York Place could see two four-storey shop and office developments, with public open space, between Ironmarket and Merrial Street.
The project ties in with the blueprint for the £30 million regeneration of the nearby Ryecroft area, with the building of a 100-bed hotel, 90 homes for over-55s and the headquarters of Aspire Housing, as well as a 450 space multi-storey car park – this will replace the ageing Midway which will be demolished to make way for homes.
Now a new report says it’s hoped demolition work of existing buildings in York Place can begin in summer 2023.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “York Place is an area that has an important position between the soon-to-be developed Ryecroft site and the wider town centre.
“We’ve been working closely with the developer and the proposals have been designed to fit in with the character of the town centre.
“Once this is completed, it will make a real difference to the area.”
The authority is working with remaining tenants in the current buildings to find them alternative premises nearby.
Once complete, the new buildings’ ground floors would be earmarked for food and drink outlets, or retail use, with office units above.
More than £3 million has been allocated for the purchase of the shopping centre, demolition work and to help move the affected businesses, after the Council successfully bid to the Department of Levelling up and Housing Communities’ Future High Street Fund.
The Council acquired the site in March 2021 and appointed Willmott Dixon as the contractor. An application for planning permission has now been submitted with a decision expected by spring.
Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, said: “This is all part of our wider work to regenerate the town centre and position it at the heart of economic, social and community life in the borough.
“Once approved, these two flexible, contemporary buildings and a new public space will add to the mix of the town centre and help create greater footfall in what is currently an underused part of town.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Cabinet will receive a full update on the project at its next meeting on Tuesday, 10 January 2023.