Borough transformation continues at pace as key sites undergo Town Deal-backed regeneration
The transformation of Newcastle-under-Lyme is continuing at pace as several town deal-backed regeneration projects progress across the borough.
These projects are revitalising key sites, enhancing sustainable travel, and laying the foundations for thriving communities.
Construction is well under way at Astley Place, with completion expected by the end of 2026. The scheme is transforming the old York Place centre into a vibrant residential and shopping development, as well as a new community music venue supported by the local Joules Brewery and new community interest company. This will host music and arts events, exercise classes and more.
The former Midway multi-storey car park is being transformed into high-quality residential accommodation. With Town Deal funding and substantial support from Homes England, construction is underway at the Karparc development and set for completion by summer 2027.
Town Deal funds are also helping to unlock the former Zanzibar site for redevelopment, supporting Aspire Housing’s plans for new homes and the creation of small-scale enterprise units. Work is due to start soon, delivering much-needed housing and business opportunities.
In Knutton, residential development is progressing well, including land remediation and the extension of the Enterprise Centre. The recently completed football changing rooms at the Wammy are now in use by Newcastle Town Football Club. Plans for a new village hall remain under consideration, with the council committed to finding the right solution for the community.
Funding is supporting sustainable travel improvements in the borough too, including new pedestrian and cycle crossings, real-time passenger information totems, and the introduction of the K bus route, linking the University to key sites. The next phase will see the transformation of Newcastle bus station into a welcoming gateway, with solar panels, LED lighting, and sustainable planting. Enhanced wayfinding and further improvements to bus facilities are also planned, supporting the council’s commitment to sustainable, accessible travel for all.
With the government’s extension of the delivery deadline to March 2028, the borough council is pressing ahead with ongoing projects and design development for future phases. This includes continued investment in sustainable transport, digital infrastructure, and community facilities, ensuring Newcastle-under-Lyme remains a great place to live, work, visit, study, and invest.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
We’ve seen tremendous progress on our Town Deal-funded projects which are helping to transform the borough.
It’s an exciting time with so many significant schemes now under way that are repurposing and redeveloping brownfield parcels of land. We look forward to seeing this work continue and we know that in the long-term will help to attract more investment as confidence in the borough grows.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Town Deal board member Stephen Sweeney said:
Through the Town Deal, we are delivering real change—creating new homes, jobs and opportunities.
This is making our borough a place where people are proud to live, work, visit, study, and invest. As a council we are clearly demonstrating that regeneration and renewal are at the heart of our vision for Newcastle-under-Lyme.”