New hotel and 100 homes included in plans to transform Stafford town centre

A seven-storey building between Eastgate Street and South Walls, previously used as the authority’s education hub, would be demolished, while land occupied by the town’s former magistrates court in South Walls would also be part of the redevelopment.

Staffordshire County Council and ION Developments unveiled their ambitious regeneration project, currently known as Eastgate, at a public consultation event at Staffordshire Place on Wednesday (November 26). Councillors and officers from Stafford Borough Council were among those who attended to view the proposals and images of what the transformed town centre could look like.

The plans are for a mixed-used development, providing around 100 new homes, a hotel and an enhanced public area connecting the River Sow with Market Square and Greengate Street. The homes would be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, centrally located to meet the needs of young professionals, key workers and those looking to downsize, a council FAQ document said.

It added: “The Eastgate regeneration scheme, which could lever in around £30m of private investment, includes buildings in Tipping Street, Martin Street and land formerly occupied by the town’s magistrates court. It will attract new residents, businesses and visitors, helping to establish Stafford as a leading UK county town.

“Creating new homes in the heart of Stafford will bring more people to live and spend in the town centre, helping to support local businesses and drive long-term regeneration. Our market research, and the view of experts in the hospitality industry, indicate that there is a strong demand for a hotel in Stafford town centre.

“The hotel would provide around 100 bedrooms, along with a restaurant and bar. A new hotel will bring significant economic benefit through the generation of up to 20 new jobs during the construction phase and 40 permanent jobs once open.”

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader Martin Murray said the Eastgate project was one of the first major schemes he has considered since being elected to the authority in May. “As soon as I saw it, it was good”, he added.

“The long-term value and sums added up. It’s modern day living we are seeing not just in the UK, but across the world – it’s happening everywhere in the world and it’s the future.

“Connectivity is huge – the bus stop would be a one minute walk from homes and the train station is a five-minute walk. It will bring inward investment because where you live is where you want to thrive.”

The Eastgate project also connects with the ongoing regeneration work taking place elsewhere in Stafford town centre being led by the borough council. Work is ongoing to demolish the former Co-op Department Store and Guildhall Shopping Centre to make way for redevelopment after the sites were bought by Stafford Borough Council.

The borough council’s leader Aidan Godfrey welcomed the Eastgate proposals at Wednesday’s event. He said: “It’s very exciting to see the Eastgate development’s potential – it dovetails with what Stafford Borough Council is doing in the north end of town.

“It’s good to see town centre living as that’s something we have lost over the years. We are the county town and we need to have good quality developments that are going to stand the test of time.”

The proposals are due to be considered by Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet in the new year, with a planning application expected to be submitted later in 2026. For more information and to take part in a feedback survey, visit www.eastgate-stafford-consultation.co.uk.