Work starts at former Zanzibar nightclub site
Long-awaited plans to build 62 apartments at a prominent Newcastle-under-Lyme gateway plot have taken a step forward, as contractors moved in to start enabling works this month.
Aspire Housing acquired Zanzibar nightclub on Marsh Parade in 2019, before knocking down the former entertainment venue a year later.
The site has remained dormant until May last year, when the social housing group announced plans for a mixed-use development for 62 homes and five business incubator units, in partnership with Manchester developer Capital&Centric.
Planning approval for the fully-affordable scheme was granted by the borough council in October 2025.
Under the proposals, two apartment blocks will be built on the 0.75 acre site, facing onto Marsh Parade and Hassel Street, with a similar design to other recently approved schemes at the former Midway car park and Ryecroft sites within the town centre, in a bid to tie together regeneration efforts across the town.
Now, the developer has released its first rendering of how the completed project will look once work is completed, as work to prepare the site gets under way.
Work is expected to be completed in Autumn, 2027.
Martin Crews, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said: “Zanzibar is one of those sites that lots of locals will have a connection to. It’s a really prominent gateway into the town centre but has long been waiting for its next chapter.
“We’re creating genuinely affordable homes with Aspire in a brilliant central location, helping to create a new community while supporting the wider regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
Dan Gray, Executive Director of Place at Aspire Housing, added: “We are exceptionally proud to begin work on the Zanzibar site, a development with such a rich history and connection for us and our local community.
“This flagship development will provide an additional 63 homes at a key gateway into Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, giving future generations the chance to build their own connections and memories.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the local community continue to grow and thrive and we are very grateful to have received financial support for the project from Homes England and the Towns Fund.”
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
