Topping out ceremony marks major Astley Place milestone
A key stage has been reached in the creation of new living, retail and social space in Newcastle town centre.
Officers from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have attended a topping out ceremony now that its Astley Place development has reached its highest building point, signifying the completion of its structural frame.
The event, a traditional construction milestone, marks a significant step forward in the delivery of a unique scheme – a UK first – to repurpose the structure of an outdated shopping arcade into a modern and attractive mixed-use neighbourhood.
Astley Place, named after modern circus inventor Philip Astley who was born in the town, is part of a wider regeneration programme designed to support future economic activity in the town centre by providing new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.
This project – one of three being delivered by renowned developer Capital & Centric – will create apartments and ground-floor commercial/leisure space while opening up the area between Merrial Street and Ironmarket around the Old Bulls Head pub.
Now that the main structure is in place, the focus will turn to internal works, installation of building services and external finishing, bringing the project closer to completion.
Simon McEneny, Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
Reaching this topping out milestone at Astley Place is a significant moment in the transformation of Newcastle town centre. It represents the strong progress being made on site and the collaborative effort of everyone involved.
This is an important step forward as the project moves closer to completion, and we are all looking forward to seeing the next phases come to life. Alongside the other two linked regeneration sites – which are continuing to take shape – we’re creating new homes and vibrant spaces that will help to breathe new life into the heart of the town.”
Meanwhile, work is progressing to convert the former Midway car park into 110 apartments with shared facilities including a gym. Around 130 apartments are being built at The Ryecroft, with landscaping, while other parts of the site are earmarked for other developments.