Council issues update on Burton High Street project

The East Staffordshire Borough Council has issued an update on the Burton High Street project, with a decision on the application to be expected within the next three months.

To ensure that the project can commence swiftly following this, assuming plans are approved, the Council has been working to progress key pieces of work, including:

• The appointment of contractors for the Washlands Visitor Centre construction;
• The creation of tender packs for enabling works, including demolition;
• The development of an options appraisal for the Hotel project, alongside positive engagement with hotel brands and operators;
• The progression of the next stage of the National Lottery Heritage Fund bid for Bass House;
• The securing of a hospitality operator for the food and drink unit at the rear of Bass House;
• The formation of a development phasing plan, showing how the site will be developed between now and March 2027 through the Towns Fund programme.

Next month, the Burton Town Deal Board will review the Towns Fund phasing plan before this is considered for approval by the Council’s Cabinet and further details are published.

This will include key information such as:

• How the site will change over the next 18 months, starting with the demolition of Trent House and commencement of the Visitor Centre in the autumn
• Who the preferred hospitality brands and providers will be for the food and drink unit and the hotel
• How residents will be able to find out more following the planning decision through a new round of open days, tours and events (expected late-September/early-October).

Cllr Louise Walker (pictured), Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Whilst we have to wait for the planning process to run its course, there has been a lot of work going on in the background to ensure the development can get going as soon as it’s approved.

“We’ve been working closely with key stakeholders, such as the National Lottery and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, and will continue to engage with opportunities for private investment and public funding, with the support of the MP.

“I’m also looking forward to opening the buildings back up to the public before works begin through more open days and tours so that as many people as possible get the opportunity to hear about the project and see the potential for themselves.”

 Further information on the project will be issued following the Cabinet meeting on 21 July.