Stoke-on-Trent 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.
The redevelopment scheme aims to transform Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent into a "lively, welcoming destination". Key proposals include a new bus system, a leisure centre and hundreds more homes.
What is an urban development corporation?
A UDC is an independent public body with the power to acquire and develop land. According to a council report, a UDC would require a "robust" business case and take up to two years to set up. Urban development corporations already operate in Ebbsfleet, Kent, and Cambridge.
Council's vision for the city centre
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Our vision is for a city centre that is busy, welcoming and vibrant throughout the day and evening."
He added that the masterplan identifies "practical opportunities that can be delivered with the right investment and partnerships".
"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," Councillor Gordon-McCusker said.
Next steps
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 members are expected to receive a more detailed report on the creation of the UDC in early 2027.