£50m Stevenage town centre regeneration to begin ‘early next year’

More details have been revealed about plans to revamp Stevenage town centre, which includes new shops, homes, restaurants and offices.

Stevenage Borough Council has chosen developers, Reef Group, for the Queensway North regeneration scheme, made up of the former Marks & Spencer and adjoining retail parade.

A gym, an ‘innovation and technology’ centre and 116 apartments are also included in the plans, which was granted planning permission in August, to update ‘tired and dated’ areas of the town centre.

The first phase comprising the commercial aspect of the scheme will be complete at the end of 2019, with the second phase consisting of more than 100 new homes is set to be completed 12 months later at the end of 2020.

Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Sharon Taylor said: ‘Our vision is to reinvigorate the centre of Stevenage, and with Reef Group now on board, we’re in a great position to deliver on this vision.

‘Together we’re bringing a new and different type of shopping experience, an innovation and technology centre, and more homes into the heart of our town, which will create a new and vibrant place for more people to shop, work and play.’

Chief executive of Reef Group, Piers Slater, added: ‘Working closely with Stevenage Borough Council, Reef Group are excited to have been able to embark on our shared vision to regenerate this important area of Stevenage.

‘We’re delighted to be bringing new investment, occupiers and uses to create a new district where people want to work, shop, and live.’