Views sought on regeneration proposals

Developer Capital&Centric has launched consultation on proposals to revitalise Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.Capital&Centric is planning an overhaul of three prominent town centre locations, bringing forward plans for Midway car park, York Place shopping centre, and two plots at Ryecroft.The distinct but complementary neighbourhoods are planned to feature a mix of homes; shops, cafes and bars; workspaces; a hotel and green outdoor hangout spots.Capital&Centric is working with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to breathe new life into the town through a mix of restored buildings alongside design-led new builds.Martin Crews, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’re taking a joined-up approach to revitalising Newcastle-under-Lyme and want local people to get involved.”We’re striking a careful balance between retaining the charm and local character of the town centre today, whilst writing an exciting new chapter for the future.”Retaining and repurposing much of the existing structures at both Midway and York Place allows us to not only deliver unique designs that the town can be proud of, but we can also save stacks of embodied carbon when compared to starting from scratch.”In a world of changing shopping habits, there’s a real need to reinvent town centres so they retain their place as the heart of communities.”Each of the planned neighbourhoods would have a distinct but complementary design, with the broad mix of uses – from homes to shops and outdoor spaces – creating a welcoming town centre where people want to meet and spend time.”A five week consultation has been launched to seek views on the proposals.Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added: “Capital&Centric has a national reputation for turning unloved buildings and derelict land into homes, workspaces, hotels, shops, bars and restaurants – often using eye-catching architecture with the latest green energy ideas.”Once the redevelopments of Ryecroft, York Place and Midway are complete, Newcastle’s town centre will be transformed so it’s important that residents get involved in the process now at its formative stages.”