Former nightclub to be transformed into 62 homes

People have been given their first chance to see how a scheme to turn a former nightclub into a development of 62 affordable homes could look.

The Zanzibar site in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, is being transformed by Capital & Centric and is expected to be completed in autumn next year.

"Zanzibar is one of those sites that lots of locals will have a connection to," said Martin Crews, the firm's development director.

"It's a really prominent gateway into the town centre but has long been waiting for its next chapter."

The scheme, at the junction of Marsh Parade and Hassell Street, is being brought about in collaboration with social landlord Aspire Housing.

"We are exceptionally proud to begin work on the Zanzibar site, a development with such a rich history and connection for us and our local community," said Dan Gray, an executive director at the organisation.

"We're looking forward to seeing the local community continue to grow and thrive."

The project has also received funding from Homes England and the Towns Fund.

It will come with improved pedestrian access, parking and public space, and the developers said it would help meet local demand while giving a fresh start to a well-known brownfield site.

Elsewhere in the Newcastle-under-Lyme, the developer is working on a new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of the town known as Rye Park.

The firm is also turning the former Midway car park into a scheme known as Karpac with new homes, and redeveloping the former York Place shopping centre, which is being named Astley Place.

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