£19m funding secured to 'change the face' of Newcastle town centre
All the funding's now been received to deliver the regeneration project
A major transformation of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre is set to begin following confirmation of £18.94 million in infrastructure funding from Homes England.
The redevelopment will focus on key areas including Ryecroft, Astley Place, and the Midway car park to create 328 new homes, commercial spaces, a music venue, and an aparthotel. It marks a significant milestone for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s long-term vision to reshape and revitalise the town centre.
Social impact developer Capital&Centric is working closely with the council to deliver the ambitious plans, which have already secured planning permission.
Projects across town
At Ryecroft, the plans include 130 apartments in three blocks, surrounded by a new green urban park. Additional sections of the site are earmarked for Aspire Housing.
On the Midway car park site, major attention has been drawn to the bold plan to convert the existing concrete-framed multi-storey car park into 111 high-quality apartments. Known as Karparc, the redevelopment will feature shared facilities such as a gym, residents’ lounge, and mini-cinema.
At Astley Place, formerly York Place shopping centre, the original structure will be revamped to offer apartments alongside ground-floor retail and leisure spaces. Green outdoor areas are planned, and the redevelopment will also connect Merrial Street and Ironmarket, adding vibrancy to the town centre area.
Key voices on the new funding
Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, praised the funding as the final step to delivering transformative projects.
“These three projects will change the face of Newcastle town centre, and I’m delighted that the final part of our funding has arrived as planned," he said.
John Moffat, joint managing director of Capital&Centric, described the developments as groundbreaking, particularly the repurposing of sites like the Midway car park.
“It’s an exciting moment,” said Moffat. “This funding will help us unlock the town’s potential and create a buzzing new heart for everyone to enjoy.”
Jo Nugent, acting executive director for markets, partners, and places at Homes England, said: “This project will help to transform Newcastle-under-Lyme’s town centre, bringing a diversified housing offer, commercial space, and regeneration of brownfield land for the borough and the wider region.”
A first for the UK
Both the Midway car park and Astley Place redevelopment projects are set to be the first transformations of their kind in the UK, repurposing existing structures into homes and commercial spaces.
The funding from Homes England’s Brownfield Infrastructure Land fund ensures delivery can now commence, with new homes expected to welcome residents in the coming years.
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