‘Big moment’ as work begins at former Newcastle venue

Capital & Centric says construction is now under way to build 62 homes at the delayed Zanzibar redevelopment in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Enabling works started at the high-profile Hassall Street plot in May, the first activity at the long awaited development since owners Aspire Housing demolished the former nightclub in 2020, around a year after buying up the site.

Under plans approved in October last year, two apartment blocks will be built on the 0.75 acre site, facing onto Marsh Parade and Hassall Street.

HBC Construction have been appointed to deliver the scheme, with the firm already on the ground at one of Capital & Centric’s other three Newcastle-under-Lyme sites – a former Sainsburys store at Ryecroft.

Jonny Nolan, development manager at Capital & Centric, said: “This is a site that’s been waiting in the wings for a long time, so getting boots on the ground is a big moment. We’re now moving at pace to turn it into something that works for the town – new homes people can actually afford, space for local businesses and a neighbourhood that feels connected.

“Having HBC already on board and underway means we can hit the ground running. They know how we work and bring the right experience to help deliver a scheme like this.”

The developer also has live construction sites at York Place, Midway Car Park and Ryecroft, with more than 300 homes currently being built as part of wider plans to regenerate the town centre.

Shedkm have provided designs for the scheme, while Avison Young provided planning consultancy services. The project team also includes Morgan Sindall Construction, LK Group, Miller Goodall, Adapt Heritage, and Clancy Consulting.

Plans and documents relating to the original application can be found on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s planning portal using reference: 25/00349/FUL