At a meeting of Full Council on 21st March 2022, the Deputy Leader for Regeneration and Planning Policy will be announcing next steps for the regeneration of Uttoxeter, following the Uttoxeter Masterplan further consultation last year.
There is a proposal in the forthcoming Corporate Plan Refresh for the Council to commence the Compulsory Purchase of the Maltings Precinct during 2022 alongside undertaking further engagement on the development of final proposals for the redevelopment of the town centre site.
Councillor George Allen, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Policy, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Council and for residents in Uttoxeter as we take the first steps in formally acquiring the Maltings in order to enable the regeneration of the High Street. The Compulsory Purchase process is not quick, but it is necessary in order to bring this land forward in a way that meets the aspirations of the town and its residents.
“During the year, we will also be back on the streets talking to residents and businesses as we build our final proposals for the Maltings, using the feedback from the further consultation that took place in 2021. In the meantime, we are in the process of installing new planters at the Maltings in order to enhance this key gateway to the High Street and bring some greenery to the area.”
Simultaneously the Council will work closely with partners to progress the Uttoxeter Sports Hub and explore opportunities to bring in financial assistance to expedite the creation of the Sports Hub, alongside the £500,000 Section 106 contribution, previously secured by ESBC.
The Council has had a long held ambition to see a Sports Hub materialise on the Aggregate Industries quarry site in Uttoxeter (formerly known as Leasowes Farm).
A considerable amount of work has been undertaken in developing the strategic plan (the Outdoor Sport Delivery and Investment Plan) designed to drive forward the development of the site, providing facilities alongside the other four* sports hub sites in the Borough.
The Council will direct significant funds to the sports hub, allowing Staffordshire Football Association to begin work on developing the facility. Approximately £500,000 will be allocated to the site, which will leverage additional funds from the Football Foundation and other sources. The expectation is £1,500,000 will be used in the development of the site with work provisionally planned to begin in the autumn of 2023, following site facility and funding bid preparation.
Councillor Allen said “Alongside the Maltings CPO I am pleased to set out the Council’s ambitions for the Sports Hub at the Quarry and I’m keen to keep working with key partners, such as the Football Association, in order to make this a reality.”
Kevin Staples, Head of Delivery Football Services at Staffordshire Football Association said: “The Quarry Site has been part of the East Staffordshire Strategic Football Facilities Plan for a number of years and is a high priority on the Local Football Facility Plan.
“The Staffordshire FA will be taking a lease on the site, leading the development of the project and then the management of the site when it is ready. Work has started on the feasibility for the site and master planning to help identify what we can and cannot do to allow us then move forward.’’
The proposed next steps will be debated at the Full Council meeting on 21st March 2022 and are subject to Council approval.