A shopping centre repurposed as homes

Work has begun on the transformation of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s tired 1960s shopping centre. Social impact developer Capital&Centric is getting shovels in the ground turning York Place into a buzzing new town centre community – Astley Place.

A newly released image gives a sneak peek at the Astley Place vision – named after Philip Astley, the founder of the modern circus who was born there way back in 1742. Rather than taking a wrecking ball to the unloved concrete structure, Capital&Centric will save the existing frame, repurposing it into 42 apartments clustered around a pocket park with loads of greenery, in typical Capital&Centric style.

Theres more than just homes, as Astley Place is set to become a vibrant new destination for the town. The vision includes bringing the site back to life with over 11,000 sq ft of spaces for indie shops, bars and cafes, a new music venue, and lush green gardens for the community to hang out in.

The project is part of a wider £90mn regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme, supported by the Borough Council and recently backed by a £19m funding boost from Homes England. It sits alongside Capital&Centric’s other upcoming town centre sites, “Karparc” (turning the former Midway Car-Park into homes in a UK-first) and “Rye Park” (a buzzing new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of Newcastle-under-Lyme).

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:

“This project is rethinking what a town centre can be, and it joins Karparc and Rye Park as part of an epic transformation of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Instead of demolishing the 60s shopping centre, we’re giving it a major reboot and turning it into a distinct, design-led collection of homes. We want to preserve the brutalist charm while adding a fresh, contemporary vibe. We’re buzzing to get going and create a new destination that locals can be proud of, with indie hangouts and a new music venue right in the mix.”

Simon Tagg, Council Leader at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:

“As well as building homes and creating commercial space from the shell of the old building, the reshaping of Astley Place will open up the way from Rye Park through the town centre and to the market. Add the plans by Joule’s Brewery to create a music venue adjoining the Old Bull’s Head and this is an exciting link in the multi-million pound chain of redevelopment running across Newcastle.”

Astley Place will feature:

• 42 design-led homes: A mix of 1 and 2-bed apartments for rent, right in the thick of the action.
• Indie spaces: 11,150 sq ft of space for independent shops, bars, and cafes to set up shop.
• Music Venue: A brand new cultural spot to boost the town’s evening economy.
• Green hangouts: Lush outdoor spaces and walkways connecting the neighbourhood to the wider town. Construction has already started.

Currently investing £3 million a week across eight live construction sites, Capital&Centric is driving regeneration in towns and cities nationwide, from Wolverhampton to Gateshead and Sheffield, where its Eyewitness Works featured on Channel 4’s The Big Interiors Battle.

The company recently announced an £860m joint venture with Swiss Life and Homes England to deliver over 2,250 homes in under invested areas in England. They are also creating a new town alongside 2,000 homes in Cambridgeshire’s new town Northstowe, including projects throughout the UK.