Near Neighbour News: Newcastle-Under-Lyme - A Town of Our Times

You may have heard about some radical changes happening in one of our nearby neighboring towns, Newcastle-under-Lyme, where investment is happening in the High Street, housing, and education on a grand scale. Yesterday (24 June 2025) saw Newcastle Borough Council host a Staffordshire Ambassadors Event where about 120 Staffordshire Superfans gathered to hear what's new in Newcastle. Well, it turns out there's quite a lot, so much so that even the most skeptical among us will be delighted.

Martin Crews Captial&Centric - Sharing his vision

The Ambassadors were split into three groups to allow the 120 people to see the sites, enjoy a guided walking tour, and meet up at Keele in Town, more about that later.

Capital & Centric, a major financial contributor to the developments, told us that they differ from many developers because instead of building and selling the properties, they remain as landlords and investors. The Midway Carpark development will be the first of its kind in the country, with the building being cut along the length to create space for a glass atrium. The build will also include a top-floor running track and garden.

The Red-Haired Stokie sharing Newcastle's rich history.

Next, we were treated to a historical walking tour by Jenna Goodwin, 'The Red-Haired Stokie,' who took us back through the ages to when Newcastle was actually a New Castle and the ups and downs of Newcastle's history since, including the Ironmarket, which was an essential place for trade and transport with over 40 stagecoaches stopping in the town every day at its height. She pointed out Newcastle's oldest building and informed us that many buildings had been "modernised" by adding storeys and facades of the period. Tanners, farmers, ironworkers, and many more would be at the heart of trading.

Staffordshire Ambassadors Touring the Astley Place Site

Then we met with Simon McEneny from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, who shared his passion and collaborative vision for the area. Newcastle's journey started when, after years of hoping for change and working hard to deliver a vision for the town, Newcastle Borough Council made a successful bid for £50,000,000 of government funding. This then gave them the confidence to get started, and since then they have added another £70,000,000 in investment, with more to come. So what are they doing with all that money? Simon was enthused to tell the ambassadors about the work so far and what happens next.

Simon McEnery Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council & the Ryecroft Site

Castle Car Park

I must admit, I've never seen anyone as thrilled and proud of a car park as Simon, but after using the new Castle Car Park, I understand his excitement. It's significant because it's the first completed section of a three-center building project for the borough: one at Ryecroft (next to the car park), one at Midway (the former multi-story car park), and one at Astley Place (the old precinct). Each of these developments is a landmark, offering unique attributes and strategically positioned to enhance Newcastle's existing spaces while creating a sustainable and desirable future.

The car park sets the standard for the work to come, and as a slightly claustrophobic concrete hater, I marvelled not only at how safe and airy it felt, but for the first time ever as a woman alone in a multi-story, I didn't feel nervous.

Keele in Town - where cafe culture meets education and learning

The final tour destination was a visit to Keele in Town, an immaculately restored building, offering three storeys of café, community, and learning spaces. Located on the Ironmarket, this is a relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy and instantly removes the discomfort people might feel when approaching the grander halls of other universities. We were delighted to see this is the home for Keele's Legal Support Scheme and many courses running in this space.

Part of Newcastle's rich heritage - can you guess where? Answer at the bottom of the page.

Newcastle Borough Council is leading many projects, including implementing their own superfast broadband, something they recognise as necessary to attract certain commercial organisations to bring their business to Newcastle. They have started to make improvements to the outdoor market too, moving out half of the fixed stalls and will be installing a large video screen and seating. There is to be a 100-seater outdoor space for live music and a McCarthy Stone retirement village.

What is really clear is that Newcastle has the vision, the capital, the enthusiasm, and the tenacity to drive all these things forward in a short space of time. It takes courage, a positive culture, and collaboration to attempt even a fraction of what they have achieved so far, and I, for one, have no doubt that they will succeed in building a better future for the town that was within walking distance of where I grew up. I look forward with interest to seeing the next chapter in the town's history. Go Newcastle!

A. The Guildhall entrance look down as you enter in.

Near Neighbour News: Newcastle-under-Lyme - A Town of Our Times - created 26.6.25