A MAJOR multi-million pound retail development which could bring hundreds of jobs to Stafford town centre is set to be revealed within weeks.
Discussions are under way with a number of interested retailers and council leader Mike Heenan has urged people to “watch this space”.
Morrisons supermarket has confirmed it would like to build a new store in the town and Marks & Spencer wants to create a larger store. Both companies say future developments depend on whether suitable premises can be found.
Potential sites include Riverside, previously earmarked for a major retail and leisure development which was scrapped because of cash problems, and the Kingsmead car park site.
Debenhams, Primark and BHS have also expressed an interest in coming into the town.
The news follows a report by planning and development consultants White, Young, Green, which was commissioned by Stafford Borough Council.
The aim was to assess the need for new shopping floor space in Stafford for both food and non-food shopping.
The report concluded there was a need for 400,000 sq ft of non-food retailing in Stafford town up to 2026, as well as there being scope for further food retailing in both Stafford and Stone. The consultants also canvassed retailers, some of who are not currently represented in the town, about their future requirements.
At last week’s Town Centre Forum Councillor Heenan, told town centre representatives that there was considerable interest from companies wishing to invest in Stafford and that the council was actively discussing town centre development. He told the Newsletter: “Watch this space. There will be an announcement in the next few weeks.”
