Stafford Kingsmead site work to begin next week

The site has been a long running eyesore in the town after Morrisons, which was due to move on there, pulled out after months of uncertainty.

On top of this the car park at the site shut, leading to neighbouring businesses saying they had seen profits dip by up to 80 per cent.

The site was sold by LXB to investment firm Triple Jersey, which has planning permission to split the site into three units for a retail park, and has now confirmed it will start work this month.

Bosses were unable to provide a timescale for when the site could open, but work is expected to finish towards the end of July. The car park is expected to reopen when the site does.

The new park will host five units, including Just for Pets and B&M Bargains. Triple Jersey is in the process of recruiting the remaining three, with one tenant ‘close’ to signing.

A spokesman for Triple Jersey said: “Planning permission has now been granted and work will commence this month on the Kingsmead site.

“Triple Jersey, which owns the site, has been granted permission to split the main unit into three, and contractors, Pioneer, will be on site by 20 March.

“The company is close to agreeing its first lease with a potential tenant. This will be announced when contracts have been exchanged.

“We are looking forward to a positive relationship with Stafford and wish to make Kingsmead a successful part of the town.”

Councillor Christine Baron, whose Forebridge ward covers the Kingsmead site, has welcomed the news. She said: “It has been a nightmare but this is welcome news that work is to start. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that they get a move on and get it done. The quicker it is done then the quicker they can reopen the carpark, as it cannot open while work is taking place because of health and safety reasons.”

Asked about what kind of businesses she would like to see occupy the new units, councillor Baron added: “What I am getting from the general public is that there are very few stores for the more mature woman. Likewise affordable shops for ladies and gents who are more mature.

“I think the people should have a say on what they want to see there and then it will be up to the developers to secure them.”