Steelwork taking shape on key Stoke car park

Working on behalf of main contractor Willmott Dixon, Caunton Engineering has begun steelwork erection for a 730-space multi-storey car park (MSCP) in the centre of Stoke-on-Trent.

Located adjacent to Potteries Way, the MSCP forms part of the wider Smithfield development, a £300M joint venture between developer Genr8 and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which aims to create a new mixed-use district in the city.

Work on the MSCP will be completed in summer 2022 and is being funded by the city council, which will be responsible for operating the facility when it opens.

Caunton Engineering is designing, supplying and erecting approximately 1,000t of steelwork as well as installing metal decking.

Councillor James Smith, Cabinet Support Member for Regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is another major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre and highlights our commitment to powering up Stoke-on-Trent.

“As Smithfield and the wider city centre area continues to grow and expand, it’s vital we have first class infrastructure like this multi-storey car park, which will provide high-quality facilities for shoppers and visitors.

“Designed with the ability to fit out new electrical charging and emerging technologies, this car park will ultimately support what is on offer not just now but for generations to come as we build back better and plan for the future.”

The overall Smithfield development will create a new business and mixed-use quarter on the site of a former bottle works. The scheme includes commercial space, retail outlets, leisure facilities and a hotel.