ION Developments will now work with the county council to take forward the Eastgate regeneration scheme.

Outline proposals have been submitted by ION for residential and mixed-use developments on several sites including the reuse of a large part of the vacant former county council offices.

The proposals are likely to include new public realm and green spaces near to St Chad’s Place and a new ‘South Walls Square’, supported by a mix of living and commercial spaces.

They also feature a connectivity strategy aimed at creating greater access to Stafford’s assets such as the River Sow, and better connecting educational, commercial and leisure facilities to residential areas.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “We can now progress our ambitious plans for Eastgate and take them forward with ION Developments Ltd.

“Town centre regeneration is one of the main priorities of the county council and we have assets in the heart of the county town which we can develop, create jobs with and boost the local economy.”

ION brings 30 years’ experience of working with local authorities to deliver transformational urban regeneration projects in Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Wolverhampton and Denbighshire.

It is currently supporting Derby City Council on its long-term plans for the regeneration of Derby city centre.

Steve Parry, managing director at ION Developments, said: “There is a huge opportunity within the Eastgate project to engage with the local community and stakeholders to create a destination area that will enhance the town’s desirability and boost its long-term social and economic prosperity, including its visitor economy.