The development to convert a former shopping centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme into homes has hit a major milestone - officially topping out.

Social impact developer, Capital&Centric, has announced that the structure of Astley Place is now complete with the building reaching its full height.

Astley Place, the first shopping centre in the UK to be transformed into homes, will feature 42 one and two-bedroom apartments, 11,150 sq ft of space for independent shops, bars, and cafes, a music venue, and outdoor spaces.

Martin Crews, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said: "Getting Astley Place to this stage is a huge moment for everyone involved. It's been sat there underused for years, so seeing it now at full height and really taking shape is something else.

"As a UK-first, this is really special for me, we're taking what was a shopping centre and completely reimagining it into homes. It shows there's a different way to bring town centres back to life, beyond relying on retail, by creating innovative and beautiful places where people can live, spend time and build a community.

"We're putting life back into the town centre and creating somewhere that feels active, welcoming and full of character again."

The milestone was marked on site with the project partners and construction team who have been working on the development.

The project is part of a wider £90m regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme, in conjunction with the Borough Council and recently backed by a £19m funding boost from Homes England.

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Astley Place will sit alongside Capital&Centric's other upcoming town centre sites: "Rye Park" (a new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of Newcastle-under-Lyme) and "Karparc" (turning the former Midway Car-Park into homes in another UK-first).

Simon McEneny, Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: "The topping out ceremony at Astley Place marks a key milestone in the regeneration of Newcastle town centre. It reflects the strong progress on this site – as well as our two other linked projects – and the collaborative effort of everyone involved.

"We're excited to see the next phase of this unique scheme take shape and, ultimately, the positive impact it will have in helping to bring new energy to the town centre, supporting a thriving local economy."