Stoke-on-Trent business district plans approved

Developers say the district will be a vibrant quarter

Planning permission has been approved for the first phase of a new business quarter in Stoke-on-Trent.

The initial 50,000 sq-m of space for the new Central Business District has been granted outline planning permission by the city council.

A council spokesman said the development will bring a variety of office, retail, leisure and public space to the city centre.

Developers Genr8 plan to build the site in stages until completion in 2017.

They are now working towards a detailed planning application for phase one of the project which will focus on 10,000 sq-m of development space.

'Fantastic news'

Mike Smith, of Genr8, said: "The Central Business District will create a vibrant mix of commercial business opportunities in the city centre.

"This planning approval grants outline consent for the initial phases of an even larger scheme and it is fantastic news for the city."

A council spokesman said it was expected the detailed application will be submitted later this year in order to allow work to start on the site early in 2012.

The council said last year that the 1.2 million sq-ft Central Business District would create 4,000 new jobs.