On Wednesday 22 July, business owners were given a sneak preview into the future of Stafford town centre.

Around 50 local entrepreneurs attended the drop-in event to learn more about Stafford Borough Council's ambitious transformation plans.

A recently released blueprint sets out a framework for the future of the town which includes a new market hall, with artisan retail, food court, entertainment and business start-ups, a variety of accommodation, pocket parks, enhanced public spaces and proposed expansion to the college - while incorporating historic landmarks in the design.

The borough council organised the drop-in event to discuss the 'Development Framework' and listen to feedback from attendees.

Businessman, Ed Bassett, a potential investor in the county town, who attended the event at St Mary's said "These are exciting times for Stafford with proposals that will transform the town centre.

"They now need to move on towards the development stage, working with partners to create a thriving community including residential, commercial and enhanced public spaces."

The first step towards transforming the town took place when the borough council used government money to buy the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and derelict former Co-op department store.

They have now both been demolished with the former Wilko building, earmarked as additional premises for Newcastle and Stafford College Group, soon to follow.

Stafford Borough Council said: "The groundwork undertaken by the borough council using government funding has helped spark interest from potential developers who are keen to invest in the area.

"A report to the council's cabinet stated that with people's shopping habits and leisure requirements changing, old-fashioned town centres across the country were no longer fit for purpose and needed to evolve.

Borough Council leader, Aidan Godfrey, said: "This event gave us the opportunity to share with local businesses, retail and hospitality outlets, the vision for our town centre and take them on the next stage of this exciting journey.

"What we are looking at is a shift away from tired and vacant shopfronts in a high street that operates primarily in the daytime to a place that people are proud to live in and, equally importantly, want to spend their time in."

Money from the Future High Streets Fund has already been used for the refurbishment of Market Square and to enhance the approach and entrance to Stafford Railway Station.

Deputy leader, Councillor Rob Kenney, explained that it was great to hear the opinions of local business owners and that he was looking forward to hearing views from members of the public during drop-in sessions which will take place in August and September.

He said: ""We have provided the framework for an attractive, modern and well-connected town centre with a focus on heritage that will provide a strong county town identity - and help to bring in high quality developers.

"There is still much work to do but I am really pleased we have taken the lead to enable the groundwork that is creating a lot of interest in our plans for Stafford."

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