Unfinished town centre building to be transformed

An artist's impression of how Deakin's Yard might look once it is completed

Developers have said they hope to complete a landmark building by the autumn after a six-year pause in construction.

The Sky Building, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, will be re-named Deakin’s Yard, in memory of prominent local politician Fanny Deakin who campaigned against poverty.

The building’s previous owners went into administration but the project has now been taken over by a firm which specialises in turning around failed developments.

Integritas Property Group (IPG), the developer managing the scheme, said it would meet an ever-increasing demand for student accommodation in the area.

Plans to open it as student accommodation could become a reality, following £11m funding from real estate investors.

IPG head Mitchell Walsh said it was committed to seeing the project through.

The unfinished scheme has been an eyesore for years in the town centre, say residents

“We understand that the site has been unsightly for a while, and we believe that transforming it into something that will greatly benefit the student population of Newcastle-under-Lyme and bring investment opportunities to the area will improve the prospects in the region," Mr Walsh said.

Deakin's Yard will be made up of 273 units - 122 studios with en-suite-bathrooms, 127 large studios with ensuites and kitchens, 10 single-bedroom apartments and 14 accessible rooms.

Bosses say the development will offer 273 student homes