People are being given the chance to preview exciting developments which are planned for the Stafford.

A series of four drop-in sessions will take place over the next few weeks where members of the public can view the 'Development Framework - which is the blueprint for the transformation of the town.

Attendees will be able to pose questions to cllrs and officers during the sessions.

The framework proposes major changes and improvements for Stafford including 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.

The sessions will be similar to the event attended by businesses and potential investors at St Mary's Church in July.

The drop-in events will take place in the town's Guildhall Shopping Centre between 11am and 3pm on:

• Thursday 20 August
• Thursday 27 August
• Wednesday 2 September
• Thursday 3 September

Stafford Borough Council said: "Described as the biggest transformation in the county town in a generation - the vision was kick-started when the borough council used government money to buy the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and derelict former Co-op department store - which have both been razed to the ground.

"And demolition is currently taking place on the former Wilko's building that has been earmarked as additional premises for Newcastle and Stafford College Group.

"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."

According to a report made to the council's cabinet, with people's shopping habits and leisure requirements changing, old-fashioned town centres are no longer suitable and must be updated if they are to survive.

Potential investor, Businessman, Ed Bassett, who attended the session in July, 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."

Borough Council leader, Aidan Godfrey, said: "This event gives us the opportunity to share with residents 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 also been used to pay for refurbishment of the Market Square and enhanced the approach and entrance to Stafford Railway Station.

Deputy leader, Cllr Rob Kenney 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."

He added that he was pleased to have the feedback from businesses and looked forward to hearing from the public.

The iconic frontages of both the Guildhall and Co-op will be retained as part of the development.

Click here for more information about Stafford regeneration.