Work begins this week to prepare former Saint-Gobain site in Stafford for regeneration

Work has started this week to prepare the former Saint-Gobain manufacturing site off Doxey Road in Stafford for future regeneration, marking a significant step forward in the long-term Stafford Station Gateway project.

The 15-acre site, owned by Staffordshire County Council, forms a key part of wider plans to bring new homes and businesses to land close to the western access route and the railway line.

What’s happening now

Initial trial excavation and ground works began this week as part of the process to prepare the former industrial land for redevelopment.

These early works are focused on understanding ground conditions and starting the remediation process, which is required before any new development can take place. The council says this stage is essential groundwork and does not represent the start of building construction.

The main remediation works across the site are expected to take place towards the end of 2026 or early 2027, subject to planning consent.

Background to the site

The former Saint-Gobain site was acquired by Staffordshire County Council in 2018 as part of the now-completed Stafford Western Access Route scheme. Since then, industrial buildings on the land have been demolished to allow for future regeneration.

More recently, a former garage building near the railway line has also been demolished to help ready the site for the next phase.

Funding and regeneration plans

To support regeneration along Doxey Road, Stafford Borough Council secured £20 million from the Government, with up to £16.5 million allocated specifically to works linked to the site.

The land will form part of the Stafford Station Gateway scheme, a partnership between Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council aimed at transforming land around the railway station into a new mixed-use area.

What the councils have said

Martin Murray, Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said the start of works represents an important milestone, adding that remediation is a necessary step to unlock development on land close to the railway and western access route.

Stafford Borough Council Leader Aidan Godfrey said the works would help build on visible regeneration already taking place around Stafford Railway Station and act as a catalyst for wider investment, highlighting Stafford’s strong road, rail and air connections.

Wider regeneration in the area

The start of works comes alongside other major developments nearby, including the new Institute of Technology for the Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, which has already opened next to the railway line. The institute is backed by £13 million of government funding and supported by partners including Keele University, Siemens and Dell.

What happens next

Trial ground works are expected to continue in the short term, with further updates shared as the remediation programme progresses. Both councils have said local communities and businesses will be consulted and kept informed throughout the works.

For now, activity on site marks the first visible step in preparing one of Stafford’s largest regeneration areas for future development.

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