DEVELOPERS STEP FORWARD FOR MULTI-MILLION POUND REGENERATION PROJECT

Three housing providers are being named as potential developers for a multi-million pound Newcastle town centre regeneration.

If approved by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, McCarthy Stone, Aspire Housing and Capital and Centric would provide accommodation at the Ryecroft.

And the authority’s Cabinet is also being asked to support Accor Hotels’ bid to operate its Ibis Styles brand on another part of the redevelopment site.

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “The Ryecroft redevelopment will transform the town centre and I am delighted that there is such a demand from local, national and international providers to be a part of it.

“The plans for this once-in-a-lifetime regeneration, unlocked by Government investment, are beginning to come together, following on from the good news about the redevelopment of York Place and Midway that was announced recently.

“This mixture of accommodation, hotel and a clean, well-lit car park to encourage visitors to the Ryecroft, will support Newcastle’s town centre economy day and night and complements the remodelling of York Place.”

Retirement community specialist McCarthy Stone is proposing a residential complex offering around 50 private homes for the over-55s.

And Newcastle-based Aspire Housing is also proposing a similar number of properties for another part of the Ryecroft site.

Last month award-winning developer Capital&Centric (C&C) was also appointed to lead the redevelopment of York Place and the Midway car park site, which will be demolished once the 450-place Castle car park opens at the Ryecroft.

C&C has a national reputation for turning unloved buildings and derelict land into homes, workspaces, hotels, shops, bars and restaurants – often embracing eye-catching architecture with energy-efficiency built in.

Work is beginning this month on Castle car park, the first step in a £30 million process which, as well as the hotel, will eventually see the Ryecroft and York Place area contain homes, offices, shops and a hotel, plus public open spaces between Ironmarket and Merrial Street.

To enable a cost-effective and environmentally friendly project, C&C is suggesting that part of the original building’s frame at York Place could be retained and integrated into the new design, thereby reducing demolition and building costs and making a more sustainable proposal.

Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, said: “Momentum is building now on our regeneration projects as we aim to make our town centre an even more attractive place, with increasing footfall day and night to boost local shops, restaurants and businesses.”