A specialist regeneration and development partnership with a national reputation for delivering innovative place-making solutions is set to deliver the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square project in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Staffordshire city’s council has granted preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound project intended to help transform the city centre.
GKRL intends to work with partners to deliver a range of residential tenures across Etruscan Square and other development sites across the city, including PfP Igloo, which GKRL is working with elsewhere in the UK.
Richard Ingham, director, GKRL, said: “Etruscan Square presents a unique opportunity to revitalise the city centre through a high quality, residential led mixed-use development.
“Our track record in delivering large-scale regeneration schemes across the UK is driven by our tenacity and passion for creating transformational, aspirational, sustainable environments where communities can thrive.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with the Council and delivering long-term economic and social value to local residents and businesses.”
GKRL is an established joint venture between Genr8 Developments LLP and Kajima Partnerships LLP. It has developed a significant track record over the last 10 years in delivering mixed-use regeneration schemes across the UK.
These include the transformational Rochdale Riverside mixed-use development, which introduced a new retail, leisure and residential destination. GKRL is also delivering the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood in Newcastle, along with mixed-use regeneration schemes in London, Merseyside, Telford and Winchester – comprising a pipeline of 3,500 homes and a combined GDV in excess of £1bn.
The GKRL partners also have existing established relationships with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, residents and businesses through Genr8’s ongoing delivery of the city centre Smithfield development and Kajima’s £60m Stoke Extra Care scheme, a collection of flexible and future-proofed retirement villages.
Once the formal selection process is complete, the partnership will move forward with plans for the site, including a mix of high-quality, affordable residential housing and leisure and commercial opportunities to bring new businesses and people into the city centre.
Moving forward, the proposed partnership could potentially support the development of further council-owned sites across the city – at Pyenest Street, Shelton; North Shelton and Bucknall New Road.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, the city council’s cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: “Etruscan Square is one of the most significant regeneration sites in our city, and for far too long, people have been promised action but have seen little progress. That is going to change.
“Having grown up and lived here all my life, I know how frustrating it is to see empty sites holding back investment, jobs, and opportunity. It’s a waste, and it’s stopping our city from reaching its full potential. My absolute priority is to put that right—to bring these spaces back into use, to create a thriving city centre, and to keep our promise to regenerate our city.
“This partnership is a vote of confidence in Stoke-on-Trent’s future. We are working with a developer that has a strong track record of delivering, and together, we will make real progress – delivering high-quality, affordable homes and new opportunities for businesses and residents.
“This is how we will rebuild our city and restore trust in regeneration: a clear plan, the right partners, and a firm commitment to delivery. No more false dawns—just real, tangible progress for Stoke-on-Trent.”
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