Converting multi-storey into flats 'is UK first'

A project to transform a multi-storey car park into homes is the first of its kind in the UK, developers have claimed.

Capital&Centric are currently turning the 1960s Midway site in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, into 111 flats.

The scheme, which will also include a social hub with a gym and mini-cinema, is one of the flagship projects in the town's regeneration and was previously described as "bold and radical".

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: "The first challenge for us to overcome was perception, because the thought of living in a multi-storey car park, understandably to a lot of people, would be a nightmare."

He added: "We've looked everywhere and I can categorically say that this has never been done before, it's the first of its kind in the UK."

Beth Chamberlain, project manager at Clegg Construction, said they would spruce up the brutalist building with greenery.

"It really will look fantastic and will be something to be proud of," she told BBC Midlands Today.

The site, which was previously described as "ageing and outdated", has effectively been replaced by the Castle car park, which opened in January 2025.

Midway is one of three main regeneration projects in Newcastle-under-Lyme, along with Ryecroft and York Place, with a total of 330 new homes in the pipeline.

Charlotte Pearce, manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said anything that brought footfall into the town centre was "a positive".

"It's about investment and confidence in town centres," she added.

Gareth Brunt, organiser of the Antiques Market, said it was a "win-win situation" for the town, while Piccoloco cafe owner Ben Hill described it as a "game changer".

"I think the idea to get more people living in the town is a good one, so fingers crossed it works out for us," Hill added.

To help fund the three regeneration projects, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has borrowed £63m of the £90m total.

Leader Simon Tagg said it would be a model "which works" while allowing the authority to do it in an affordable way.

"This will be for young professionals and other people as well, so we have that town centre for all," he added.

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