Last Thursday (20 August), residents and visitors gave their perspectives on a blueprint for a future Stafford town centre at a drop in session held at the Guildhall Shopping Centre.

Another session will be held this Thursday (27 August).

The leader of the borough council is encouraging people to attend and take a look at the town centre 'Development Framework'.

According to Stafford Borough Council: "The framework sets out a vision for 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 event last week was attended by locals and by visitors from Newport, Cannock and Telford who were keen to find out more.

Cllrs and officers were on hand to answer any questions posed by attendees.

Derek Smith, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, said he is excited about regeneration in Stafford.

He said: "I think we need to go down the road of more accommodation and eateries in town centres.

"Town centres need to adapt as it will be the only way we will attract people back."

Managing Director of Stafford business Digital Defined Marketing, Ben said: "Residential led regeneration is a smart growth strategy for the town.

"It brings less stress on the roads with people more likely to use public transport, and providing a ready-made footfall for cafes, entertainment and smaller retail outlets and businesses.

"These proposals are nice to see and I'm very pleased it has included more investment in education."

"Born and bred Staffordian", Diane Harris, 68, said: ""I've seen a lot of changes over the years, and it would be nice to see the town transformed as soon as possible.

"What I have seen today looks good - now they have just got to get on with it."

Council leader, Aidan Godfrey said it was great to speak to people about the 'Development Framework' and hear so many positive comments about the proposed plans.

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, in the process of being knocked down.

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."

Cllr Godfrey said: "It was great to show residents, shoppers, and some people who were just visiting Stafford for the day, what our town centre could look like in the future.

"There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with still a long way to go - and I think most of those coming to the drop-in sessions can now appreciate that, and what we are trying to achieve."

"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."

The council is keen to reiterate that the iconic frontages of both the Guildhall and Co-op will be retained as part of the development.

Thursday's event will take place from 11am until 3pm at the Guildhall Centre with further sessions in September.

Click here for more information about the regeneration.