In April, a report, to be discussed by senior councillors, will state that the work to demolish and prepare the groundwork for development in the town centre has created 'significant developer interest.'

Retail outlets, a food hall and an expansion of the town's college is key to the blueprint for Stafford's regeneration.

According to Stafford Borough Council: "The report states 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."

In 2023, the council used Government money to purchase and demolish the Guildhall Shopping Centre and the derelict former Co-op department store.

This was a vital step towards a new chapter for the town centre. 

The framework, drawn up by the council, promises "improved public spaces" and a new market hall that would provide a "food court, entertainment, competitive socialising, and artisan traders - and office space." 

The frontages of the Guildhall and Co-op will remain as they are thought to be an integral part of the area's heritage.  

Money from the Future High Streets Fund was used to transform Market Square (image via Livia Gregor)

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Council leader, Aidan Godfrey, said: "Our 'Development Framework' is an important part of the next stage of work within the regeneration programme.  

"It sets out the council's expectations and will shape future development proposals.  

"It means 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."   

Part of the plan involves demolishing the building which formerly housed Wilko.

An application has been submitted in the hope that this will be possible. 

Stafford Borough Council said: "The town centre could see up to 200 new homes, over 3,000 square metres of commercial space including a new Market Hall, 6,000 square metres of education space to support the expansion of Stafford College, and just under 3,000 square metres of improved public spaces."      

The report also states that the transformation is now at "a critical and exciting phase" and "it is intended that the Council moves forward at pace, to secure development partner(s) that share the Council's vision and this will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre creating confidence in Stafford as the county town as a place to live, work, invest and visit." 

Money from the Future High Streets Fund has already been used to refurbish Market Square and enhance the entrance and approach to Stafford station.  

Cllr Rob Kenney, deputy leader with responsibility for town centres said: "This will be the biggest transformation of the town centre in a generation and it will be exciting to see this next phase taking shape.  

"The fact that the Council took the lead in the acquisition, demolition and site clearance works has built confidence in the regeneration programme with investors and we must ensure that this momentum is not lost." 

The development framework will be shared with potential investors at the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum in May.  

The cabinet report and full framework document will be made publicly available soon.