New details revealed for former Rugeley Power Station site
New schools, employment hubs and a public park could rise from the ruins of Rugeley Power Station as part of major development plans.
Further details of proposals to transform parts of the 374-acre site have been announced after owners Engie disclosed plans to build a new 'sustainable village'.
Architects from firm JTP have now revealed their vision for the former coal-fired power station, with works expected to take up to 15 years to complete.
It comes after more than 400 residents took part in last weekend's community planning initiative, sharing their hopes for the future development.
Head of community engagement at JTP Charles Campion said: "We were struck by how aspirational, how ambitious, people were about the town.
"It's really important to build trust in the process, and even though it' s a long-term regeneration process, things can happen quite quickly.
"We know there is huge passion from the town, hopefully we can do it justice. There is a lot of work still to do."
Workshops and walkabouts
Residents of all ages joined the three-day community planning process, taking part in a string of workshops, walkabouts and group sessions.
Youngsters complained of a lack of leisure facilities, while other residents claimed schools and doctors' surgeries needed more investment.
A team from JTP then drew up its vision for the site, which was announced to residents who packed into Market Street's Mansfield House on Tuesday.
Plans include new schools, community square, GP surgery, sports pitches, neighbourhood centre, employment zones, heritage and museum display space and lake facilities.
The sub station currently at the site is set to remain where it is, with proposals to build a 'screen' to shield it from nearby amenities.
There are also hopes to mark the site of the cooling towers after they are completely demolished in 2021.
Graeme Philips, partner at JTP, said: "We worked hard over the past three days. We heard so much about the things that make Rugeley a distinct place, that gives it it's identity.
"We are not trying to build a new town centre. This is not designed to compete with Rugeley town centre.
"The towers will be demolished and will collapse inwards - it will be particularly chaotic. We think it is really fascinating to think about how the towers could be reflected in the future public realm."
French owner Engie announced last month that it wants to build 2,000 low-carbon homes, powered entirely from renewable energy, at the site.
