A bitter Arctic wind blew across the centre of Stafford last week, as I ventured out from our Stafford Chamber office at lunchtime. The giant Christmas tree in Market Square has been taken down, as memories of the festive season start to fade. The weather may be cold but the outlook for Stafford’s business community is a positive one, with the announcement of a series of developments in our County Town.
During the autumn, Stafford Borough Council unveiled plans to buy Stafford’s former Co-op department store, as part of major transformation plans for the area.
The Council successfully secured funding to transform the centre of Stafford, with the Gaolgate Street building having been derelict for a number of years. Just before Christmas, senior councillors of Stafford Borough Council gave the go-ahead for the Council to purchase the town’s Guildhall Shopping Centre.
Like many towns across the country, Stafford has suffered from a post-pandemic slump in footfall, leaving a legacy of some empty commercial premises. Town centre regeneration won’t happen overnight and in time, the above acquisitions will help to breathe new life into the centre of Stafford and bring residents, workers, shoppers and visitors back into town.
In other developments, Michael Gove, (the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) visited Stafford in November and pledged that the Stafford Station Gateway initiative will receive a share of the flagship Levelling Up Fund, to spread opportunity and create jobs. Stafford Station Gateway proposals include up to 30,000 square feet of commercial space and a new hotel on brownfield land surrounding Stafford Station, which enjoys exceptional rail connectivity to London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Going eastwards and take a look at the cranes which have dominated the skyline over North Walls, as the Staffordshire History Centre take shape. This brand new heritage attraction will tell the story of the county’s history and bring together three fascinating collections. Further redevelopment in this part of Stafford Town Centre will fall under the Eastgate Regeneration Quarter scheme, which will see the redevelopment of vacant buildings and land.
It’s more than a year since Stafford Chamber moved to a home at Shire Hall Business Centre, just off Market Square. We love being in the centre of town and having the opportunity to enjoy easy access to the office and the chance to support our local town centre retailers, whether grabbing a sandwich or collecting some dry cleaning. Shire Hall Business Centre has been beautifully restored and is a perfect base for any business, or even if you need to find some hot-desking space, or meet clients in a professional business environment. – But don’t take our word for it, why not see for yourself!!
We’re inviting businesses to join our free coffee morning/networking event at Shire Hall Business Centre. First Friday Networking starts on Friday 1st March from 9AM – 10AM. Grab a brew and a bite to eat and meet some new contacts, as well as getting the chance to look at the impressive hot desking facilities and a peek at some of the last remaining unit spaces available to rent. Shire Hall Business Centre is managed by Staffordshire County Council.
You’ll be able to book your place at this event from 17.1.24. using the events page on our website:
https://staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-calendar/
…. or you can send an e-mail to :
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Hope to see you there!
