Council proposes city development corporation

An independent corporation could be launched to oversee a major redevelopment in the centre of Stoke-on-Trent, which includes proposals for a new bus system, leisure centre and hundreds more homes.

City council cabinet members are set to approve the final City Centre Masterplan at a meeting on Tuesday.

The cabinet will also be asked to agree in principle to create an urban development corporation (UDC) to take the scheme forward, which is an independent public body with the power to acquire and develop land.

According to a report to cabinet, a UDC would require a "robust" business case and take up to two years to set up.

The city centre scheme aims to turn Hanley into a "lively, welcoming destination".

The key aim of the initiative is to have 1,800 more people living in the city centre by 2030.

"The establishment of an urban development corporation is identified as an appropriate delivery vehicle which would help to create the right conditions and support objectives for delivering and accelerating growth," the report said.

It added the delivery of the masterplan would progress in the interim.

UDCs are currently in existence in Ebbsfleet, Kent, and Cambridge.

The council plans to ask the government for funding in the coming months for both the regeneration and the establishment of the Stoke-on-Trent UDC.

Cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, said: "Our vision is for a city centre that is busy, welcoming and vibrant throughout the day and evening."

This masterplan identifies "practical opportunities that can be delivered with the right investment and partnerships", he added.

"The next step is a detailed dialogue with government and its key agencies about the best means of delivering the plan, including a possible Urban Development Corporation, which would give us the tools and momentum needed to unlock major regeneration opportunities and attract the investment our city deserves."

Cabinet members are expected to receive a more detailed report on the creation of the UDC in early 2027.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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