Work to transform a Newcastle-under-Lyme shopping centre into a "buzzing new town centre community" has begun.

Social impact developer, Capital&Centric, has announced that work has begun to repurpose the 1960s shopping centre, York Place into 42 one and two-bedroom apartments clustered around a pocket park.

Astley Place, named after Philip Astley, the founder of the modern circus born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1742, will also feature over 11,000 sq ft of space for independent shops, bars and cafes, as well as a new music venue.

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said: "This project is rethinking what a town centre can be, and it joins Karparc and Rye Park as part of an epic transformation of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"Instead of demolishing the 60s shopping centre, we're giving it a major reboot and turning it into a distinct, design-led collection of homes.

"We want to preserve the brutalist charm while adding a fresh, contemporary vibe. We're buzzing to get going and create a new destination that locals can be proud of, with indie hangouts and a new music venue right in the mix."

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

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

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Simon Tagg, Council Leader at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: "As well as building homes and creating commercial space from the shell of the old building, the reshaping of Astley Place will open up the way from Rye Park through the town centre and to the market.

"Add the plans by Joule's Brewery to create a music venue adjoining the Old Bull's Head and this is an exciting link in the multi-million pound chain of redevelopment running across Newcastle."

Capital&Centric, who are also the developers of Goods Yard in Stoke-on-Trent, are currently investing £3 million a week across eight live construction sites.