An underground music venue could form part of a revamped shopping centre. Developer Capital and Centric has submitted plans for the regeneration of the vacant York Place in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.

The scheme would see much of the existing building retained and turned into 52 flats along with ground floor commercial units. An extra floor would be added on top, while the partial demolition of the shopping centre – which has already started – will allow the creation of a new public square, and an external walkway between Merrial Street and Astley Walk.

But the plans also include the option of a 'subterranean' music venue beneath the square. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is working with Capital and Centric on the York Place, Ryecroft and Midway regeneration schemes, after securing £35 million of government funding.

Planners at the council will now consider the developer's application over the coming weeks. According to the application, the scheme is being developed 'as an exemplar of how existing town centre buildings can be repurposed to provide much needed housing'.

The proposed flats would be a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. There would be a number of commercial units on the ground floor, providing around 1,300 square metres of floorspace.

The plans also include the option of a music venue beneath the square (Image via planning application).

Council leader Simon Tagg gave elected members an update on the town centre regeneration schemes at Wednesday's full council meeting, saying there had been 'significant developments' across all three sites. Mr Tagg said the partial demolition of York Place was now well underway and set to be complete by early 2025.

Councillor John Williams raised concerns over the potential impact of the regeneration schemes on existing town centre businesses. He said: "Businesses in the town centre welcome these developments, but at the same time they're concerned that if they all start together it will have an impact on the businesses. We're seeing the demolition of York Place now, the hoardings have gone up, and we're going to see work at the Midway and Ryecroft too. We'll be seeing vehicles and materials going through the town. There will also be health and safety aspects."

Mr Tagg said the council would look to support town centre businesses. He said: "York Place was an eyesore, so it's good to see the work taking place behind the hoardings. I think our officers did a lot of work with the businesses in Merrial Street to prepare them for that, and I think with the Midway it will be the same.

"As we move forward with these exciting plans in our town centre, it's important that we keep in mind safety and the need of businesses to carry on operating."

The council is financing the three regeneration schemes using the government funding, with Capital and Centric set to purchase the sites once they are completed. A final decision on awarding construction contracts for the schemes will be made by full council at a later date.

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