A former department store in the centre of Stafford has been given a facelift to help attract more investment to the area.

The old Co-op on the high street has been derelict for more than a decade when the borough council agreed to buy it with plans for a food court, retail, market and residential offer.  

The iconic front of the property is to be retained with work expected to start on other parts of the building later this year. 

But the council have now dressed the frontage using it to promote some of the considerable investment that is taking place in and around the town centre. This includes plans for the Guildhall Shopping Centre and the recently renovated Market Square - as well as plans for land in front of, and behind, Stafford Railway Station.  

Recently the borough council said that publicity on proposals for the former Co-op had helped attract more interest from potential new businesses. 

Council leader, Aidan Godfrey, said it not only improved the former store’s presence on the high street, but would also give confidence to investors that there was major regeneration taking place. 

He said: “We want everyone to know about ‘Project Stafford’ - we want residents and shoppers to share the news that there are exciting times ahead for the county town. We also want this very public display of the significant investment being delivered in Stafford to demonstrate, and give confidence, to existing and potential businesses, developers and future investors, that this is a town being transformed.” 

Work to enhance the entrance and approach to the railway station is due to get underway in the summer and late last year the council secured £20 million to help with proposals that could see a hotel, multi-storey car park, businesses and homes on underutilised, brownfield land behind the train station.  

Rob Kenney, Deputy Council Leader with responsibility for town centres, said: “Stafford town centre was the number one issue for local people and that is why it is our top priority. 

“We have already had a handful of businesses get in touch with us, having seen the proposals for the old Co-op store, to express an interest and asking for more information. We are really pleased as they are the type of traders - for example artisan producers - that we are keen to attract as our market offer in the empty building.” 

He added: “We want residents to be proud of their county town, we want visitors to come and shop, we want people to socialise and spend time using hospitality venues, and we want businesses to invest.” 

Significant investment in the town includes projects underway or recently delivered such as the £9m Heritage Lottery Funded Staffordshire History Centre and the business hub at the Grade ll* listed Shire Hall. Plans are also taking shape around the Station Gateway - which will include a £22.5m Institute of Technology, complementing the £28m Skills and Innovation Centre for Stafford College that opened in the town last year. 

An online booklet with more information about some of the projects can be found on the council’s website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/transforming-stafford.

Press Release No 6130