Capital&Centric hits milestone at Staffordshire scheme
A topping out ceremony has been held at the former York Place shopping centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, as residential redevelopment plans gather pace.
The scheme, known as Astley Place, includes 42 residential flats alongside shops and bars alongside a cultural venue which the developer says will provide a boost to the town’s night-time economy.
Capital&Centric says it’s the first time a former shopping centre has been directly repurposed for residential accommodation anywhere in the country – although McLaren Living received permission for a residential-led development at Broad Street Mall in Reading during 2025.
Astley Place is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
The former York Place shopping centre in Newcastle under Lyme is being converted into 42 apartments. Credit: Place Midlands
Martin Crews, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said: “Getting Astley Place to this stage is a huge moment for everyone involved. It’s been sat there underused for years, so seeing it now at full height and really taking shape is something else.
“As a UK-first, this is really special for me, we’re taking what was a shopping centre and completely reimagining it into homes. It shows there’s a different way to bring town centres back to life, beyond relying on retail, by creating innovative and beautiful places where people can live, spend time and build a community.”
The scheme is part of a £90m regeneration of the Staffordshire town, boosted by around £19m in funding from Homes England, which also includes C&C’s schemes at Ryecroft and the former Midway multi-storey car park, which is currently being converted to apartments.
Simon McEneny, Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said the topping out ceremony at Astley Place marked a “key milestone” in the regeneration of Newcastle town centre.
“We’re excited to see the next phase of this unique scheme take shape and, ultimately, the positive impact it will have in helping to bring new energy to the town centre, supporting a thriving local economy,” he said.
