Students’ grand designs support county town centre vision

They were joined by graduate urban designers from a company appointed to coordinate the Stafford Town Centre Masterplan, which brings together major regeneration and renewal projects by the county and borough councils.

The Stafford College students, who range between 16 and 18 years old and on a range of A Level courses, took part in the Shaping Stafford’s Future practical workshop which was led by David Lock Associates.

Staffordshire County Council and Stafford Borough Council are working together to deliver a range of high-quality developments in and around the town centre which will ensure the county town can thrive as a location to live, work, and visit for decades to come.

The town centre masterplan will ensure the projects complement each other to maximise opportunities for future investment, boosting visitor numbers and attracting new businesses and residents. It will build on Stafford’s location, with excellent road and rail links, and its history and heritage.

The college workshop session involved a group design exercise, exploring the experiences of the students. Before the workshop, they were encouraged to look at land uses around the town centre, what it might be missing, the types of businesses and activities there and how they think it should change.

Rob Millward, Director of Academic Studies at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, said:

We are delighted that our Stafford College A Level students have been invited to take part in this event. It offers a unique opportunity for students to work directly with professional urban designers, gain first-hand experience of practical planning and design, and develop valuable career insights, while having a real voice in shaping a vibrant and inclusive Stafford town centre.

Their ideas and vision will help create a place that benefits the local community, attracts visitors, and supports future generations in Stafford.”

Adam Glynn, an A Level student from Rugeley who took part in the workshop, said:

I’m really interested in the town planning process and it’s good that we’re involved and having a say. It’s complex in terms of what goes into the plan and the technical parts of its design.”

Fellow A Level student Jemima Collins from Stafford said:

Flooding and roadworks are a real issue in Stafford, so we really need to address that. There are no communal spaces for young people which is a concern when it comes to antisocial behaviour. I’d also like to see more small businesses on the high street. It’s important that as young people we have our voices heard.”

Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader, said:

This workshop offered a fantastic opportunity to Stafford College students to have real input into the shaping of the masterplan and share in our excitement about the future vision for the town.

It’s hugely encouraging to see graduate urban planners who are working on this once-in-a-generation project directly involving young people who live locally. We need them on board, having their views heard and ensuring they feel they are playing a part in this process.

At the same time the workshop has provided a valuable insight into the diverse range of career opportunities in urban planning and design. There’s no better way to illustrate this than with a practical session on your own town’s future.

We are now seeing significant projects in Stafford completed, being undertaken now or in the pipeline, such as current land preparation works for the Stafford Station Gateway project.”

Stafford Borough Council deputy leader, Rob Kenney, who has responsibility for the town centre, said the transformation of the town was the council’s top priority and this was another step towards their vision for the area.

He said:

This is a great opportunity for our students to have a say in what is the biggest transformation of Stafford Town centre in a generation. Our vision is to create a town centre that will attract people to live, work and socialise; spend time in hospitality venues and encourage new businesses to invest – and these young people have provided a valuable insight towards this.

Anyone visiting the county town will be aware of the amount of work already going ahead to prepare the way for future development – and this work has already attracted major developers who are interested in investing in our area. This Masterplan will pull these key elements together and I know the students were pleased to be able to have their input and play a part in shaping the future of Stafford.”

David Lock Associates is an independent consultancy in Milton Keynes specialising in town planning, urban design, and master planning.

Projects completed include refurbishment of the Market Square and the Stafford Railway Station entrance and approach, Victoria Park, creation of the Staffordshire History Centre, and Shire Hall Business Centre. And work is currently taking place on major sites with the clearing of vacant and derelict buildings on the High Street. Investment and grants have included the Future High Streets Fund, the Levelling Up Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as funding from both councils.