City centre revamp moves forward

A multi-million pound transformation of Stoke-on-Trent city centre has taken a major step forward as the second phase of works draws to a close.

Over the last 14 months, Albion Street, Albion Square, the western end of Old Hall Street and Lichfield Street have been given a complete makeover with stylish new roads and paving, new lighting, modern seating and tree planting.

A key feature of the work, which has also included improvements to Parliament Square, has been the creation of a high-quality pedestrian link between the bus station and the city centre.

In total, the three phases of the public realm work are costing £11.5 million, funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the European Regional Development Fund

Councillor Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Transforming the public realm is all part of our drive to create a strong and competitive city centre which can stand on its own two feet and compete with the best out there. Not only do we need to encourage private investment, we need to stop people from leaving our city to do their shopping and spend their money in other places. Having a city centre which people can be proud of and enjoy visiting will go a long way to achieving that.”

Phase one of the public realm works was completed in March 2013 and saw Percy Street, Tontine Street and part of Stafford Street transformed with natural stone paving, seating and tree planting.

The third phase of the public realm improvements– which will link the Cultural Quarter to the new Smithfield development – is set to start this autumn and is expected to be complete by the end of 2015. This will see the full length of Piccadilly from Stafford Street down to Warner Street, including the Broad Street junction, revamped with high-quality paving materials, street furniture and trees.