Masterplan to regenerate gateway into Stafford takes step forward

A team of architects, engineers and planners has now been appointed to the Stafford Station Gateway project, which will transform 28 hectares of land next to the town’s railway station into a new commercial, residential and leisure development.

Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Network Rail are working with regeneration specialist LCR on the scheme, which aims to help the area capitalise on the town’s railway station’s position on the HS2 line.

Councillor Frances Beatty, cabinet member for economic development and planning at Stafford Borough Council, said: “One of our top priorities is the growth of our borough and this scheme can help regenerate this key gateway to our county town.

“We have ambitious plans to bring the best quality commercial and residential development to the heart of Stafford and our aspirational masterplan for the station gateway, on the back of HS2, is a great opportunity to deliver this.”

After signing on formally in March, LCR is working with the project group and has now appointed a consultant team to take the masterplan forward.

The team is made up of architects Hawkins/Brown, engineering firm WSP, planning and development advisor CBRE and cost consultant Faithful+Gould.

Business district

The project group is also finalising a delivery framework for the masterplan, with a view to moving swiftly into implementation.

The masterplan will deliver a business district, new homes, retail and leisure units, a hotel and new pedestrian access to Stafford Railway Station.

James Howard, development manager for LCR, said: “This masterplan will unlock the full potential of the land surrounding the railway station and share the economic opportunity HS2 presents with the local community, delivering new homes, jobs, leisure facilities and green spaces.

“The appointment of a consultant team is an important step forward. Their expertise and support will help us realise an ambitious vision for Stafford Station Gateway underpinned by investment and the creation of public value. We’re excited for work to begin.”

The Stafford Station Gateway regeneration project is being delivered through LCR’s ongoing partnership with Network Rail, which aims to realise the full potential of land around the UK’s portfolio of railway stations.

LCR is a sustainable regeneration company that strives to maximise public value from underutilised public sector assets, with emphasis on those assets connected to the UK’s network of railway stations.