Building work has today got under way on a ground-breaking 11-storey city centre residential development – the first of its kind in Stoke-on-Trent and the West Midlands.
The development, which will consist of 151 ‘build to rent’ one and two-bedroom apartments, is being built at Smithfield and will transform the quality of the city living offer in Stoke-on-Trent, as well as provide a significant boost for footfall and the economy.
The scheme is being delivered by Genr8 Developments in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s housing company Fortior Homes, which will own the building. The scheme is set for completion in late 2019, with the first residents moving in the following year.
Cllr Randy Conteh, cabinet member for housing, communities and safer city, said: “The start of building work signals a major milestone in the continued transformation of our city. This is the first ‘build-to-rent’ development in Stoke-on-Trent and when complete, it will set a benchmark for high quality city living accommodation.
“These apartments will give the city centre a significant amount of residents in one location, who will increase footfall, support the local businesses and lead to further investment. It’s another indicator that Stoke-on-Trent is on the up and that we are moving the city forward. We’ve got a big appetite at the council for housing growth and making Stoke-on-Trent a city where people want to live, work and visit.”
The residential block will have amenity space and communal gardens. There are also leisure and commercial units planned for the ground floor.
Consultation for the development took place in July 2017 and the planning application was approved by the city council in December 2017. A second building of 126 apartments has also been given planning permission and will form part of a future phase of development.
Cllr David Conway, leader of the city council, said: “With the recent news that both office buildings at Smithfield are now fully let with around 1,200 private and public sector workers, this is the next positive step forward for the site.”
Richard Ingham, partner at Genr8 Developments, said: “This will be an extremely high-quality build-to-rent development that will be unique in both Stoke-on-Trent and the wider region. This, and the soon to be announced next phase, further underlines Smithfield’s position as the region’s office, city living and leisure location of choice. We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the council who have once again demonstrated their commitment to delivery and quality.”
Fortior Homes is a private housing company established by the council to deliver high quality homes that address identified gaps in the private sector housing market.Further information about Smithfield Stoke-on-Trent can be found at http://www.smithfieldstoke.com/