The development of Stoke-on-Trent’s exciting new urban neighbourhood is entering its final stages.

Work has started on the much-anticipated new public square and lush green spaces at Goods Yard in Stoke.

Capital&Centric, the social impact developer transforming the former industrial site, is creating a green oasis to greet visitors as they arrive from Glebe Street.

It will boast a new lawn, about the size of a professional tennis court, and a walkway, which will be created through lush plants and shrubs, leading to the interior gardens, with hangout spaces, seating, over 70 trees and stacks of new plants.

The new public square will become a flexible space for pop-up markets, live music or simply hanging out with friends. Visitors will also be able to peer through glass in the floor into the Vaults Warehouse below, once used to store goods passing from canal to rail and set to become a buzzing all-day social hub and foodie destination.

The canal jetty is being overhauled into a waterside green spot, with outdoor seating for canalside drinks and dining while a new direct, much improved walkway will bring the Goods Yard square within a 60-second walk to the neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station.

With the neighbourhood set to open in Spring 2025, during Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year, Capital&Centric is now busy curating a collection of independent businesses to take up the 30,000 sq ft of commercial spaces at the site.

Earlier this year, the developer opened expressions of interest for the canalside spaces, with plans for a mix of bars, eateries, coffee shops, stores and creative businesses to set up shop across four neighbourhood buildings.

Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “It’s been an absolute labour of love creating this new community at Goods Yard and we can’t wait to see the gardens and public square shaping up. Just a stone’s throw from the station, the green spaces will be for everyone to enjoy.

“As we get closer to the neighbourhood opening, we’re focused on creating the right mix of community and independent businesses to bring the place to life. This is an amazing opportunity to be part of Stoke-on-Trent’s newest destination, so if you’re a business looking to start up, relocate or expand get in touch.”

Capital&Centric recently signed a lease for the residential building at the site. Adding to their existing agreement to market, let and manage the development’s commercial spaces on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the lease agreement will see the developer take on the letting of the 174 rental apartments.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration said: “Goods Yard is a real success story, being delivered on time despite difficult economic circumstances since the government funding was awarded.

“Our effective partnership with Capital&Centric.has enabled us to deliver an exciting, first-of-a-kind development for the city and create some fantastic opportunities for local people and businesses.

“There’s some exciting milestones approaching in the coming months so keep your eyes peeled for when we announce the first independent businesses which have signed up for space at Goods Yard, and our first residents.

“I am sure that the whole of Stoke-on-Trent is as excited as I am to see the finished site come to life and reap the wider economic benefits that this development will bring to our city.”

Spaces at Goods Yard include the Vaults Warehouse; the Signal Box on Glebe Street; the new build Pavilion workspaces; and the industrial style new build spaces on the ground floor of the apartment building.

The spaces range from 1,200 sq ft to 14,000 sq ft and anyone interested has still got time to get in touch.

For more information visit www.capitalandcentric.com/goods-yard or email goodsyard@capitalandcentric.com