Public realm improvements progessing in Kidsgrove
Work to improve the public realm around the King Street shopping precinct in Kidsgrove town centre is progressing well.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is transforming the area to create a safer, more attractive and more accessible environment for residents, visitors and businesses, while supporting the long-term regeneration of the town centre. The scheme is being delivered as part of the £16.9 million Kidsgrove Town Deal programme, funded by the UK Government.
Improvements include new planting beds in front of the shops, widened steps leading towards Heathcote Street to create a more welcoming entrance, and a new location for the town’s Christmas tree.
The existing pull-in area is also being redesigned to provide dedicated parking spaces and a one-way traffic system, improving safety for both pedestrians and drivers. Temporary parking remains available alongside the shops while the work is carried out, and all businesses remain open as usual. Once completed, the new King Street parking area will continue to provide free short-stay parking, making it easier for customers to visit the precinct and support local businesses.
The Council’s Cabinet has also backed a wider package of parking improvements for Kidsgrove. This includes 30 minutes of free parking on King Street, up to two hours free at the lower Heathcote Street bays and Meadows Road, and free long-stay parking in the upper Heathcote Street bays.
Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:
We promised to invest in Kidsgrove and that is exactly what we are doing.
This scheme will deliver a safer and more attractive King Street, better parking and a stronger town centre for residents and businesses.
We know the works may cause some temporary inconvenience, but all businesses remain open and I would encourage residents to continue shopping locally while these improvements are completed.”
The works are scheduled to be completed by February 2027.
The £16.9 million Kidsgrove Town Deal programme has also funded the state-of-the-art pump track at Newchapel Recreation Ground, community sports facilities at The King’s Academy, improvements to Clough Hall Park and contributed towards the reopening of Kidsgrove Sports Centre, with further initiatives under way.