Regeneration scheme to create 190 new jobs

The development scheme at the Goods Yards in Stoke-on-Trent is on track to be completed by the spring

A flagship regeneration site in Stoke-on-Trent is set to bring 190 new jobs to the area, according to the city council.

The site at the Good Yards is being transformed into a canal-side neighbourhood with a 30,000 sq ft commercial area, which will be used for leisure, retail and workspace.

The council said of the 190 opportunities, most of the roles are in construction and 107 of the jobs have been offered to people who live in the city.

Nearly 240 more roles, in retail and hospitality, are expected to open at the site in the future.

The development is one of three projects the city council secured funding for under the former government's Levelling Up fund.

In addition to new job opportunities the development, which is being carried out by Capital & Centric in partnership with the council, is also aiming to provide "positive social value".

Contractors on the site from Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) have engaged with nearly 3,000 students from schools and colleges across Stoke to highlight a range of careers in construction.

Ajmal Muhammed, from Stoke-on-Trent College, is one of those involved and has successfully completed a placement with B+K.

Mr Muhammed has since been accepted onto a degree apprenticeship programme as a trainee quantity surveyor and has started working at the development site.

"I will be helping to finish the Goods Yard which is really exciting. Then, once it's complete, I'll be moving onto another B+K project," he said.

Mona Baig, social value co-ordinator at B+ K said the company hope their "continued engagement with job seekers and young people will create a long-term positive impact to the local community".

The regeneration scheme, which will also feature 174 new homes for rent, is expected to be finished by the spring.