Tamworth puts feelers out for Gungate scheme

Regeneration consultancy AspinallVerdi has been commissioned to begin soft market testing for a key regeneration plot in Tamworth’s Gungate regeneration quarter.

Tamworth Borough Council says it wants to realise long-held ambitions to bring forward development for the site, which links the town centre with the town’s railway station.

Now, the authority says its soft market testing exercise will gauge market interest in developing the site, and fine-tune the council’s requirements for selecting a development partner.

The authority bought up the plot, currently in use as a temporary car park, from private developers in 2018.

And after earlier regeneration plans for the area stalled, a gradual land assembly process which has taken place over the past five years means the council can hatch broader plans, now set to span a 6.8-acre site stretching from Lower Gungate to Marmion Street.

Potential future uses could include housing, retirement living, evening leisure or offices – but are not likely to be retail led, with Tamworth BC saying the scheme is capable of delivering “transformational change” for the town.

“Identified within the Tamworth town centre masterplan 2025 as a key opportunity site, Gungate represents a regionally significant regeneration opportunity,” said a spokesperson.

“With its scale, strategic location, and excellent connectivity, the site has the potential to support a comprehensive residential-led regeneration scheme that reinforces the long-term vitality and growth of the town centre.

They added: “If you are a developer or investor interested in being part of the future of Tamworth town centre, we would welcome your input.”

The engagement exercise closes on Friday, 27 March, with interested parties able to request a copy of the market testing questionnaire via: [email protected]