Redevelopment Project Forecasts 190 New Jobs

A prominent redevelopment project in Stoke-on-Trent is projected to generate 190 new employment opportunities for the area, as stated by the city council. The Good Yards location is undergoing conversion into a canal-side neighbourhood, featuring a 30,000 sq ft commercial zone designated for leisure, retail, and professional workspace activities. The council indicated that the majority of these 190 positions are within the construction sector, with 107 roles already extended to residents of the city. An additional approximately 240 positions, specifically in retail and hospitality, are anticipated to become available at the location at a later stage. This particular development represents one of three initiatives for which the city council obtained financial backing through the previous government’s Levelling Up fund. Beyond the creation of new employment prospects, this development, undertaken by Capital & Centric in collaboration with the council, also seeks to deliver “positive social value.” Site contractors from Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) have interacted with close to 3,000 students from educational institutions and colleges throughout Stoke, showcasing various career paths within the construction industry. Among the participants is Ajmal Muhammed, a student from Stoke-on-Trent College, who has successfully concluded a work placement with B+K. Subsequently, Mr. Muhammed gained acceptance into a degree apprenticeship program as a trainee quantity surveyor and commenced employment at the development location. He remarked, “I will be helping to finish the Goods Yard which is really exciting. Then, once it’s complete, I’ll be moving onto another B+K project.” Mona Baig, B+K’s social value co-ordinator, expressed the company’s expectation that their “continued engagement with job seekers and young people will create a long-term positive impact to the local community.” This redevelopment initiative, which will additionally include 174 new rental residences, is anticipated to reach completion by the spring. Updates from BBC Stoke & Staffordshire are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.