Stoke-on-Trent sets out 25-year vision to reshape city centre

Masterplan sets out proposals for delivering realistic vision to develop and regenerate the city centre

People are being invited to have their say on a “realistic and practical” vision to transform the city centre over the next quarter of a century by focussing on achievable proposals for retail, leisure, housing and regeneration.

The City Centre Masterplan aims to create a more vibrant, connected and welcoming space at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent by 2050. The draft plan has been drawn up by the council, working in partnership with consultancy experts Arcadis, and is based on substantial engagement with stakeholders and businesses.

Key Pillars of the 2050 Vision

There is a big focus on building new houses on city centre brownfield sites as a key component of the regeneration and also a spotlight on revitalising public spaces, improving transport links and celebrating the city’s rich heritage and culture.

The masterplan looks to make the city centre a place where people want to live, work, shop and spend time. It also complements the multi-million-pound work currently being carried out at neighbouring Etruscan Square to regenerate the former bus station site and build residential and leisure developments.

Proposals included in the draft masterplan build on people’s aspirations based on engagement to date. In particular, it reflects people's desire to see:

• More ‘things to do’: An improved retail and leisure offer and a stronger evening and night-time economy.
• Heritage preservation: Empty shop units and other historic buildings brought back into use.
• Better transport: Improved connectivity with the railway station.
• Safety & Environment: Measures to help people feel safer and more green spaces within the city centre.

"The city centre is a vital part of the economy and culture of this city. I'm aware people might hear the word 'masterplan' and think they've heard it all before. This is something different: a realistic and practical vision with clear short and long-term goals.

“We will start to see the benefits from this quite quickly in terms of addressing empty shops, bringing historic buildings back into use and better public transport connectivity. A lot of this work is already underway."

— Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration

Have Your Say

Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to explore the draft City Centre Masterplan proposals and share their views. The four-week consultation runs from Friday 27 February to Sunday 22 March.

• Online: Details and a feedback survey can be found atwww.stoke.gov.uk/citycentremasterplan.
• In-Person: Events will be held in Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall (dates to be released shortly).