Stafford Borough Council has taken ownership of the Guildhall Shopping Centre. The acquisition is a key component of a broader regeneration strategy for the town centre, funded by a government grant specifically allocated for this purpose.

The shopping centre, which spans a vast 250,000 square feet, had been under the ownership of Mercia Real Estate since May 2021. However, plans to develop the site had not progressed, leading to concerns that the centre could remain unused for an extended period. This change of ownership comes as a relief to many, with the council’s deputy leader, Rob Kenney, indicating that previous development plans had reached a standstill.

Guildhall is home to approximately 20 retail and business units, office spaces, an indoor market, and a currently unused car park. A recent valuation report has dismissed the possibility of the car park being brought back into operation soon, due to the extensive repairs needed.

The decline of Stafford’s town centre has been evident, with the Guildhall Shopping Centre suffering from low occupancy and reduced foot traffic. The council’s acquisition is seen as a critical intervention to reverse this trend.

With the property now under council management, the search for a development partner will commence. The aim is to craft a compelling business case that will attract investment and revitalisation to the area.

Council leader Aidan Godfrey has expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing the revitalisation of the town centre as the council’s primary goal. Dubbed ‘Project Stafford’, this initiative is part of a larger vision that includes the Stafford Station Gateway scheme. This ambitious project is set to feature a new £18m Institute of Technology at Stafford College, supported by both government and private sector funding, alongside a hotel, new businesses, residential spaces, and leisure facilities. The Gateway project received a significant boost with a £20m government grant awarded towards the end of 2023, signalling a bright future for Stafford’s High Street and its surrounding areas.