Transformation of vacant football stadium into homes wins top regional award

St Modwen Home’s residential scheme at Victoria Park in Stoke on Trent has won this year’s RTPI West Midlands Award for Planning Excellence.

The awards celebrate outstanding projects that demonstrate the power of planning in transforming the communities where we live. Entries to this year’s awards included restoration of a Grade II Listed building and a student project on strategic regional planning.

The transformation of the brownfield site will provide 200 homes on the site of the former stadium of Stoke City Football Club, which was acquired by St Modwen in 1997. Through extensive partnership working with the City Council and other stakeholders, St Modwen overcame several barriers to bring forward the site.

The scheme also responded to wider community aspirations for the naturalisation of a culverted section of the River Trent, reconnection of the riverside walk, and new school sports fields.

Young Planner of the Year award

The judges also commended highly Jenna Langford who won the Young Planner of the Year award. Recognised for her commitment to supporting others, Jenna Langford is the newly appointed Regeneration Manager at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and has been integral part of the regeneration team since 2010.

The award celebrates the best and brightest professionals in the early stages of their planning careers.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Craig Jordan MRTPI, said:

“St Modwen Homes worked extensively with the local Council, Environment Agency, and most importantly with local residents, to transform this derelict brownfield site into vital new homes. They are an exemplar of partnership working.”

“A significant challenge for the project was a parallel bid by the Environment Agency to re-naturalise a culverted section of the River Trent. St Modwen were able to adapt their project by re-designing the project into two phases.

“In overcoming this barrier and others, they have demonstrated the hallmarks of great planning: creativity, tenacity and innovation.”