Genr8 Developments, the developer behind Stoke-on-Trent’s Smithfield scheme, has announced that it has submitted plans for the next phase of the development.
The reserved matters application will deliver 3 Smithfield, a 62,000 sq. ft. Grade A office which, for which demand has already been identified.
The new office will be in addition to 1 and 2 Smithfield, two Grade A office buildings totalling 210,000 sq. ft. – which are fully-let to occupiers including Waterplus and Davies Group.
The new office space will also sit alongside phase 2 at Smithfield, which consists of a 140-bed Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, and Clayworks – an 11-storey build-to-rent apartment block – both currently nearing completion.
Genr8 secured outline planning permission for 3 Smithfield and a further 86,000 sq. ft commercial building in 2017.
In addition to the new building, Genr8 – in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council – will be bringing a much-needed multi-storey car park to the city centre, with a c.730-space facility due to be built on the site of the existing surfaced car park on Potteries Way. A planning application for the car park is due to be submitted imminently.
Both elements are expected to start on-site in late 2020, with completion anticipated for 2022.
Richard Ingham, partner at Genr8, said: “Stoke-on-Trent’s national profile as a destination for business is, rightfully, increasing: The Powerhouse 2020 has recently announced Stoke-on-Trent as having the fastest jobs growth in the UK, and so the need for high-quality, contemporary office space is more urgent than ever. Genr8 is proud to be able to deliver this for the city in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
“It’s important that we respond to the needs of the local community with Smithfield, and create a space that is relevant and engaging. We also need to provide the right infrastructure to support both Smithfield and the wider city centre’s continued growth. We feel that our plans for the next phase will help us achieve just that, and the team is excited about continuing to deliver on our ambitious vision for Smithfield.”
Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Smithfield is a game-changing development in the city centre. While subject to planning permission, it is extremely exciting to see these plans come forward.
“This year we are going to see the really exciting additions of the Clayworks apartments and Hilton Garden Inn hotel at Smithfield, two landmark developments for the future of Stoke-on-Trent which will help to transform the city for generations to come.
“There is real confidence in Stoke-on-Trent from developers and businesses. Our work to make this city a great place to invest is working, and businesses and others know that Stoke-on-Trent is a great place to locate. These are landmark schemes which are creating a new direction and future for Stoke-on-Trent, and seeing millions of pounds invested to drive and accelerate regeneration. At the same time, they bring increased footfall into the city.
“We are committed to making the city a better place to live, work and visit, and creating jobs and growth. We are an extremely competitive and attractive option to employers with our fantastic transport links and geographical location as the gateway to the East Midlands, West Midlands and North West. This is a really exciting time for Stoke-on-Trent as we drive forward with regeneration that will benefit our city for years to come.”
Smithfield is the first development of its kind for Stoke-on-Trent, with Clayworks marking the first time that build-to-rent has been brought to the region. The apartments will be managed by LIV Group, and will be owned by Fortior Homes – Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s wholly-owned private housing company.
The site’s Hilton Garden Inn will, once complete, also set a new benchmark for the city, providing the first venture for the Hilton brand into Stoke-on-Trent.