A proposed masterplan for Hanley sets out an ambition to deliver 750 new homes and bring around 1,800 additional residents into Stoke-on-Trent city centre by 2030.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Cabinet will consider the plan on Tuesday 6 October. If approved, it would guide both short-term projects and longer-term regeneration across the city centre.
The document focuses on increasing the number of people living in Hanley, improving public spaces and transport connections, supporting existing businesses and bringing key vacant or underused sites back into productive use.
The initial housing target is centred on brownfield land. The council believes that more city-centre residents would support shops, leisure venues, hospitality businesses and other services throughout the day and into the evening.
Alongside new homes, the plan considers improvements for buses, walking and cycling, as well as changes to streets, public spaces and supporting infrastructure. The intention is to make it easier for people to travel into and around Hanley while creating a more attractive place to live, work and visit.
Key regeneration sites
The masterplan sits alongside work already associated with Etruscan Square and identifies other opportunities, including the former Olympus Engineering works on College Road and land around Pyenest Street in Shelton.
Those sites could contribute to the wider housing and regeneration programme, although individual developments would still need to progress through the relevant planning, funding and approval processes.
The council said delivery would depend on partnerships with landowners, developers, public bodies and central government. It is also exploring whether an Urban Development Corporation could help coordinate investment and accelerate major projects, but that approach would require government support.
Discussions are continuing with the Government and Homes England about investment and the mechanisms that could be used to support delivery.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, said the masterplan is intended to provide a clear direction for Hanley and connect housing, transport, public-realm and economic priorities.
The council's stated aim is to strengthen Hanley's role as the city's main centre while responding to the changes affecting traditional high streets. Increasing the residential population is presented as a way to create more consistent demand for local businesses and make the centre active beyond conventional shopping hours.
Cabinet decision
Cabinet members are due to vote on the masterplan on Tuesday 6 October. Approval would establish the document as the council's strategic framework, rather than granting automatic permission for every project described within it.
Detailed proposals would still be expected to come forward separately, with opportunities for planning scrutiny and public engagement where required.