Stoke seeks new partner for landmark regeneration scheme

  Stoke-on-Trent council is searching for a new development partner following Midland & Regional’s decision to sell  its £150m-plus stake in a regeneration scheme for the city centre .   Last year, it said that it was in advanced negotiations with Stoke city council and regional development agency Advantage West Midlands to bring forward a 650,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme in the Hanley area.   However, the council and the developer never reached an agreement.   Midland & Regional – which is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and run by managing director Neil Hobday – has now sold its holdings in the 11-acre site to a public sector consortium.   News of the sale emerged this week when North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, AWM, and the council launched a search for a development partner to create a 1m sq ft business district in Stoke.   They said they were “releasing a unique development opportunity to provide that missing element that will bring a new dynamic to Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre at Hanley”.   The trio, advised by Savills, is searching for “a long-term partner that is fully committed to delivering a benchmark development that will be seen as an example of the best in 21st century, business-led mixed-use development.”   Interested parties have until 11 July to register their interest in the site.   The council hopes to have an outline planning application submitted early next year. The first phase of development is likely to include 300,000 sq ft of offices, shops and restaurants.   The redevelopment of the plot has been awaited since 2006 when Unity House, the former council building that stood on the site, was demolished.   Hobday could not be reached for comment.   patrick.clift@rbi.co.uk