Capital & Centric have submitted plans to create a striking £60m urban quarter next to Stoke-on-Trent’s train station, with new images of the plans released.

The social impact developers recently consulted on plans for the Goods Yard, a mixed-use community featuring new homes, works spaces, shops, bars, cafes and a new public square at the Swift House site. The project recently received £16 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund – one of three regeneration projects to benefit in Stoke-on-Trent up to the value of £56 million – the second highest amount awarded in the UK.

The planning application details an exciting future for the site, packed full of design features to bring the space alive and transform from tired industrial buildings to a vibrant, urban quarter for people to call home or spend time. It includes the Goods Yard Square, a bustling public square open to everyone, perfect for pop-up events. Capital & Centric also plan to restore the derelict Network Rail signal box into a café bar; restore the stunning, locally-listed vaulted warehouse; and re-open the waters edge to the public.

It comes as the existing warehouse at the site is set to come alive this weekend for Art Slam (7pm on Saturday 27 November 2021). The charity event, which will raise funds for the Macari Foundation, will see local artists battle it out to create the most popular piece – with painting and pottery throwing on the bill, as well as DJ sets and drinks.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said:

“We’ve been floored with the reaction from Stoke-on-Trent and the positivity shown for the Goods Yard. We’ve designed every inch of the site to create a genuine community, with design-led new homes surrounded by new public spaces, shops, work spaces, bars and cafes.

“Our design really celebrates the heritage of the area and the awesome site location, from the planned detailing in the public square – a nod to the site’s historic railway connection – to the re-opening of the water’s edge and stunning vaulted warehouse for people to enjoy. This is a real moment for Stoke-on-Trent. People are excited for the Goods Yard and we can’t wait to deliver a special community that people can be really proud of.”

Located next to Stoke-on-Trent train station – making it HS2 connected – and on the doorstep of Staffordshire University, the Trent and Mersey Canal and the A500, the site is in an ideal location for commuters, students, visitors and businesses.

Capital & Centric are working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to bring forward the landmark project.

Cllr Abi Brown, leader of the city council, said:

“Being successful with not one, not two but three bids to the Levelling Up Fund was a fantastic result for our city, and a real vote of confidence in the direction we are moving. The funding will turbo charge our regeneration plans and provide new jobs, homes and investment into our local economy.

“Obviously the Goods Yard was the focus of one of our successful Levelling Up Fund bids and it’s exciting that Capital & Centric have kept the momentum going by submitting their planning application. This is a HS2 connected site with a massive amount of potential, and one we have been pushing forward as a fantastic development opportunity to the market for the last four years. These things don’t just happen overnight or without a lot of hard work behind the scenes so to now be at the stage where a planning application has gone in is a fantastic sign of progress in itself and very encouraging.

“There are so many great things happening across the city right now, and many more projects in the pipeline that will transform derelict sites and disused buildings into thriving places to live, work and play. Stoke-on-Trent is open for business and we will continue to push for the very best for the city and our residents.”

Plans for the Goods Yard include:

• The Goods Yard Living: Featuring over 170 design-led apartments for rent, with a mix of 1,2 and 3-bed homes. The new building is planned to feature private resident gardens, as well as resident facilities such as a café or bike repair shop, alongside other uses such as a gym or convenience store.

• Signal Box: A café-bar in what is currently a derelict Network Rail signal box.

• Vaults Warehouse: Restoration of the stunning, locally-listed, brick vaulted,below ground warehouse to create a combined workspace and leisure venue.

• Canalside Jetty: Opening up the water’s edge to the public and creating apotential mooring point for visiting canal boats or a watertaxi.

• The Pavilion: A contemporary building with an industrial feel that will provide 5,000sq.ft. of floor area in a double height space that will be made available for workspace and/or leisure uses.

• The Goods Yard Square: A bustling public square at the heart of the site, withseating, gardens and spaces for pop-up events, with pedestrian and cycle links to the surrounding area

• Hotel:A 150-bed hotel (to be delivered as part of Phase 2)

Capital & Centric is also on the hunt for pop ups to use the space in the meantime. Those with an idea for an event or use for the space are encouraged to get in touch.

People are encouraged to head down to the site for this weekend’s charity Art Slam for DJs, some of the best local drinks and eats, and special surprises on the night.

Date: Saturday 27 November 2021, 7pm – 11pm

Location: The Goods Yard, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HG

Tickets: £5 and available now from www.skiddle.com/e/35929276