A WEST Midlands market town could be transformed by an £85 million shake up following “failed projects” and “neglect”.
Three major regeneration projects are set to take place in the borough soon.
The million pound face lift could be approved as early as this year with the council’s decision yet to be announced.
Residents in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, could benefit from the separate contracts worth £85 million in total.
The market town borders Cheshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire.
Locals have previously spoken out about the “dying” town centre and lack of investment injected into the high street.
Two years ago the last remaining tenants were removed from the “horrible” shopping arcade due for demolition, according to the BBC.
The council hopes that the latest plans could offer homes, shops and even a hotel to revamp the area.
It follows the opening of the 455-place Castle Car Park that should help bring more people to the area.
A spokesperson for Newcastle-under-Lyme said: “Being a borough council rooted in our community we are focusing on making Newcastle town centre a better place for people to live, work and enjoy our shops, pubs cafes and restaurants.
“This investment across three key sites will not only change the look of the town centre, it will change the feel of it too by bringing in more residents and visitors.”
At the Ryecroft, a respected developer hopes to build around 130 apartments in three units.
Other parts of the site have also been earmarked for specialist over-55’s accommodation.
Another spokesperson mentioned how the three major schemes are being tackled with hard work to keep them moving along quickly.
They added: “Agreeing these contracts paves the way for significant work on all three sites so that by the end of the year, Newcastle’s landscape will be changing for all to see.”
Last year, the council revealed a revised scheme that would offer as an alternative to demolishing York Place.
Council leader Simon Tagg had described the funding as “fantastic” and a “physical milestone”.
Transforming the “tired” and “dated” former shopping centre, the area has already been stripped back for rebuilding.
Locals have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the revamp.
One commented: “That’s good news but I’m not sure it’ll even touch the sides.”
Another wrote: “Spending some money… nice to see.”
‘The smelliest village in the UK’
Silverdale, a small village in Newcastle-under-Lyme was dubbed the “smelliest” in the UK since 2022.
A poll found the area had more complaints about smell that anywhere else in the UK.
Erica Compton previously wrote in the Sun how “local authorities aren’t just pegging their noses and turning a blind eye”.
She went on: “Like us residents, they all have deep concerns and unlike the quarry bosses, local authorities and senior figures in Parliament, across the local council, media outlets, GP surgeries, Government and NHS all acknowledge our plight and often fight on our behalf against Walleys Quarry – we’ve even had a Panorama documentary dedicated to us this year.
“The local health trust has even set-up additional mental health support for people living in the area and affected by the smell.”
Residents have blamed a local Quarry Landfill for the “horrendous” stench.
[boxout headline=”‘Downtrodden’ English ghost town where locals feel ‘left behind’ being turned into ‘vibrant’ shopping hub in £9m revamp” intro=”By Nicole Cherruault”]A “DOWNTRODDEN” English ghost town is being turned into a “vibrant” shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound “vision for change” after locals complained the town felt “left behind”.
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town’s shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a “downtrodden” town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a “vibrant” and a “fit for purpose” centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council’s top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been “left behind” and it was in desperate need of some “drastic” improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre “remains open for business”, stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: “Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today’s town centre remains open for business,” said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
“I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
“The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.”
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his “excitement” for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said “Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
“It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
“The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.”
