A radical plan to transform a crumbling 1960s multi-storey car park into more than 110 flats has got the green light from planners in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

In a UK first, social impact developer Capital&Centric will retain large parts of the old Midway car park structure and rework it into design-led flats as part of a wider town centre regeneration.

The bold reuse is one of a trio of projects given the thumbs-up by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, delivering 328 new homes, new green spaces, shops and even a music venue.

Capital&Centric joint MD John Moffat said: “Most developers would have demolished these tired and under-utilised buildings but instead we’ve come up with a creative way to deliver new housing and reboot the town centre.

“Re-use isn’t always the easiest option but it saves tonnes of embodied carbon and ultimately creates more interesting neighbourhoods – imagine being the first to say you live in a former car park”

The flagship Carpark scheme will see the existing structure reimagined into a new community with 111 flats, communal gardens, and a three-storey atrium housing a social hub, gym, mini cinema and lounge.

At Astley Place, a former 60s shopping centre will become 42 rental flats, new shops and a live music venue.

Astley Place scheme

Rye Park will turn a vacant brownfield site into a bustling mixed-use neighbourhood, featuring 178 new three to four-bed family homes, with 43 classed as affordable.

The scheme has attracted £35m of public sector backing through the Government’s Future High Street Fund and Town Deal Fund.

Capital&Centric specialising reinvention of mills and concrete icons, is now looking for main contractors to deliver the work.

Interested firms should email development director Martin Crews.