Stafford masterplan 'will help attract millions of pounds of investment'

A masterplan for the town is being drawn up for Stafford and residents are being asked for their views.

It is hoped Debenhams could open a new store – after the firm pulled out of the nearby Riverside complex, while the indoor market could be moved back to the centre of the Guildhall shopping centre, where it stood for years.

Some of the ideas will be on display at an exhibition in the town's Market Square tomorrow (SAT). Options for the future development include bringing homes in to the town centre, a new department store and visitor attractions based around the town's heritage. When Debenhams dropped put of the Riverside plans, bosses said they were 'still committed to gaining representation in Stafford.

Councillor Frances Beatty, Stafford Borough Council's cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: "I would encourage everyone to come and give their views at the exhibition and tell us what they think of the various ideas and how they want to see from their town centre in the future."

She added: "This is about a vision for the next 10 to 15 years – and it is having this vision in place that will help attract many millions of pounds worth of investment in to the town."