FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR TOWN CENTRE HOMES AND BUSINESS REGENERATION GIVEN GREEN LIGHT

A landmark regeneration scheme on a brownfield site in Newcastle town centre is one step closer to getting off the ground now essential funding has been approved.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council rubber stamped the allocation of over £916,000 developer funding to support the scheme in Marsh Parade, transforming the long-vacant site of the former Zanzibar nightclub into a vibrant new development of affordable homes and business units.

The scheme, led by Aspire Housing Group, will deliver 63 affordable homes for social rent and five new enterprise units, providing much-needed housing and opportunities for local businesses.

This investment is a key part of the borough council’s ongoing commitment to revitalising the town centre, making Newcastle-under-Lyme a more attractive place to live, work, and visit.

The site, which has stood empty for nearly 15 years following the closure and demolition of the Zanzibar club, is set to become a gateway to the town, supporting wider regeneration in the borough and boosting local prosperity.

Andrew Fear, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: “The Marsh Parade scheme is another vital part of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s ongoing regeneration which is transforming the town. Approval of this funding is a significant step forward in Aspire getting the scheme under way.

“As people know, this is where the Zanzibar club once stood, and this site has probably been vacant for around 15 years now – first with the empty club and then after demolition.

It’s a gateway to Newcastle, and several schemes have been proposed and not gone through, so this has had a helping hand with this money. This will lead to 63 units of affordable housing, which we welcome.

“The project aligns with our commitment to sustainable growth, supporting the local economy and community, and delivering on Newcastle’s ambitions for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable town centre.”

He added that an old advertising sign on the neighbouring wall, which has a local landmark since the demolition, will remain visible after the building work is completed.

The borough council’s decision follows close collaboration with Aspire Housing Group and reflects the urgent need for affordable housing in the borough. The funding comes from developer contributions originally secured for off-site affordable housing.