Capital&Centric has celebrated the topping out of the UK’s first transformation of a former shopping centre into new homes in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Astley Place will take the redundant retail space and turn it into 42 one and two-bed apartments, 11,150 sq ft of space for independent shops, bars and cafes, a new music venue and new outdoor space to connect the neighbourhood to the wider town.
The milestone marks the completion of the structure, and Capital&Centric says that the focus will now shift to bringing the scheme to life.
Martin Crews, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “Getting Astley Place to this stage is a huge moment for everyone involved. It’s been sat there underused for years, so seeing it now at full height and really taking shape is something else.”
“As a UK-first, this is really special for me, we’re taking what was a shopping centre and completely reimagining it into homes. It shows there’s a different way to bring town centres back to life, beyond relying on retail, by creating innovative and beautiful places where people can live, spend time and build a community. We’re putting life back into the town centre and creating somewhere that feels active, welcoming and full of character again.”
Simon McEneny, deputy chief executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “The topping out ceremony at Astley Place marks a key milestone in the regeneration of Newcastle town centre. It reflects the strong progress on this site – as well as our two other linked projects – and the collaborative effort of everyone involved.”
“We’re excited to see the next phase of this unique scheme take shape and, ultimately, the positive impact it will have in helping to bring new energy to the town centre, supporting a thriving local economy.”
The project is part of a wider £90million regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme, in conjunction with the Borough Council and recently backed by a £19million funding boost from Homes England. It sits alongside Capital&Centric’s other upcoming town centre sites – Rye Park, a new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area and Karparc, which will transform the former Midway carpark into homes in a UK-first.