The proposed £55 million redevelopment of AREVA T and D’s premises off Fairway in Stafford has received planning permission from Stafford Borough Council.
The planning application, submitted by St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, followed two years of collaboration with AREVA T and D, plus consultation with AREVA T and D employees, local residents and Stafford Borough Council.
The approval paves the way for the comprehensive redevelopment of the 57 acre site to provide over 335,000 sq ft of offices, research labs, design centres and test facilities. The existing Sports and Social Club, which is the largest of its type in Stafford will be retained and refurbished with the balance of the site, extending to around 20 acres, brought forward for a sustainable residential development.
“This is the first step to securing the 1,300 highly skilled jobs on site and providing a framework for AREVA’s future growth. In an unstable economy that is shedding jobs and losing manufacturers to overseas markets, this development will buck the trend, create jobs and ensure AREVA’s vision becomes a reality for Stafford,” commented Ian Romano, senior development surveyor for St. Modwen.
As the largest private employer in Stafford and a world class leader in electricity transmission and distribution, AREVA T and D recognises the need to upgrade its existing facilities to reflect its position as a principal world energy expert. St. Modwen has worked extensively with AREVA T and D to develop a solution to serve the growing property need of the business and deliver the new buildings on a phased basis, whilst maintaining continuity for AREVA T and D operations.
Alongside significant improvements to AREVA T and D’S facilities, St. Modwen is also aiming to create a sustainable residential community with up to 263 new homes, supported by small local shops offering services to the local community.
Having successfully received planning consent for the redevelopment, St. Modwen and Areva T and D will continue to work closely together to outline a phased construction programme for the advancement of the scheme.
Further details on the redevelopment of the AREVA T and D site can be found at www.stmodwen-thefairway.co.uk.
