Plans to turn a prominent industrial site in Stoke-on-Trent into a vibrant new urban quarter have been given the green light.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's development control committee has approved Capital & Centric's proposals for The Goods Yard.
The £60 million project - which has been backed by £16 million of Levelling Up funding - is a major investment in the region. The plans include 174 apartments for rent, a cafe bar and a warehouse with workspace and leisure areas as well as a canalside jetty, pavilion and a 150-bed hotel.
Construction on the first phase of the scheme is expected to start later this year.
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: "This is a watershed moment for Stoke-on-Trent and the Goods Yard is going to be mega for the area. People have fully embraced the vision, there's a real buzz about the future and the neighbourhood.
"Ambitious indie businesses are already getting in touch with us about setting up shop here and have started thinking about how they could use the spaces – that's before we've even commenced construction.
"We want to make Stoke-on-Trent proud and create a neighbourhood with real identity, one that nods to the city's rich heritage but writes a new, exciting chapter.
"Our focus has always been on creating a genuine community with everything available to support a city centre lifestyle. People calling the Goods Yard home will have shops, bars, cafes, businesses and green outdoor spaces to meet up right on their doorstep. We can't wait to get going."
The Goods Yard is being developed on the former Swift House site, next to Stoke train station.
Councillor Abi Brown, leader of the City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see this hugely prominent site at a key gateway into Stoke-on-Trent receiving planning approval, meaning work to transform the Goods Yard can now begin.
"We've worked hard to bring this development forward quickly, with an exciting range of opportunities that appeal to residents, businesses and visitors to the city. It builds on other recent landmark developments such as Clayworks and the Smithfield Works concept in the city centre, as well as the increasing prominence of our canal network.
"We're committed to fully delivering our three Levelling Up projects, building on our heritage and supporting a growing economy that's delivering new jobs and homes right across Stoke-on-Trent.
"We have a clear plan that is fuelling economic development and transforming major sites right across the city, and this is another tangible sign that Stoke continues to be on the up."
