About North Staffordshire
North Staffordshire includes the local authority areas of Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands. It has a population of approximately 460,000.
With an urban core originally centred on coal mining and its world-famous pottery industry, like most industrial centres of the UK, the area has undergone dramatic changes in the last few decades. Away from the main centres of population, it includes rural and farming communities. To the north east of 'The Potteries' lies an upland area on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District - the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Long term changes in economic focus presents the region with significant challenges, alongside real opportunities and potential.
Over the last 20 years, the area has seen continued job losses in traditional industries. Against this background, it is now working hard to strengthen a weak economy and is increasingly seen as an area offering opportunity. The foundations for regeneration are being put in place, encouraging investment and recognising the potential of the local labour force. This includes programmes directly supported by RENEW North Staffordshire and the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership (NSRP). Find out more about some of these by clicking here. RENEW's own investment of £260 million, is expected to lever in a total of around £600 million. To find out more about RENEW's investment programme, go to Frequently Asked Questions.
Underpinning this drive, the conurbation is in one of the most geographically advantageous positions in the country, right in the centre with the main west coast railway line and the M6 motorway passing through.
Perhaps most importantly, creating confidence and transforming the development culture requires commitment and perseverance - a long term view that needs good planning management, community - for more information, go to Good Design and Community Engagement.
Economic downturn has had an effect on the housing market in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands. Supporting a strong housing market with good choices for individuals and families in thriving communities is a priority and RENEW is helping to provide a range of options to help people into the right homes.
RENEW's most recent Housing Market Report for North Staffordshire shows that the area is the most affordable in the West Midlands. The average price of an entry-level property in North Staffordshire is £53,666. The average house price in North Staffordshire is now £118,820.
To achieve this, over the past six years RENEW has been focusing on transforming neighbourhoods - complementing new and renovated housing with high quality new jobs, new schools, health centres, transport links and a renewed environment. But, despite the strong foundations that have been laid, the causes of North Staffordshire's weak housing market remain.
North Staffordshire does have a real opportunity to turn itself around. There is widespread local, regional and national support for change and billions of pounds are being ploughed into regeneration programmes. The transformations will bring thousands of new homes and jobs, creating a wealth of opportunities for businesses, and turning North Staffordshire into a vibrant hub of the Midlands.
For more information on moving to North Staffordshire, finding a new home in the area or improving your current property, click here.
