Through the successful bid to central Government, Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre is seeing regeneration through the Future High Street Fund, consisting of £11 million.
The first phase of the regeneration is underway through the demolition of the former Civic Offices. This is proceeding very carefully because the offices contain asbestos, but should be completed by the spring.
The Ryecroft redevelopment project is part of a growing collaboration between 'We Are Aspire' (represented in the picture by Sinéad Butters MBE, Group Chief Executive of Aspire Housing) and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council (represented in the picture by Council Leader Simon Tagg) around town centre regeneration. Part of the Ryecroft will be transformed into future homes for Aspire Housing, who will also relocate their headquarters there.
The plan is to have a collaboration hub on the site, which is currently used as a car park since the old Sainsbury's supermarket was demolished a decade ago. The hub will combine meeting, work and social space with up to 90 new community living homes for over-55s.
It is brilliant to see the £11 million investment from Government being put into our town centre. I am glad that the Council's plan has given confidence to local businesses and that Aspire intend on moving their base to the Ryecroft. When the site is finished, it will mean more footfall in Newcastle town centre, supporting our High Street, and the shops, cafes and bars there.