Stoke-on-Trent City Council hits back in row on new Hanley HQ
A CAMPAIGN to reverse public opposition to a new city council HQ was launched today ahead of a meeting where opposition councillors are calling for the scheme to be scrapped.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council today publishes a double-page advertisement in The Sentinel newspaper in a bid to build support for its relocation to Hanley.
Opposition councillors will table a motion calling for the plans to be ditched at a council meeting tonight.
The proposed Central Business District (CBD) is designed to create 4,500 jobs as it expands in six phases over 10 years to include six office blocks, ground floor shops and cafes and two hotels.
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The need for new premium office space to attract more white collar firms to the city is largely undisputed and has the support of prominent business leaders.
But the council's decision to build and occupy the first two buildings – loaning up to £55 million and vacating its base in Stoke – has become one of the most controversial in its history.
Leaders have pressed ahead with the plans in the face of major public opposition due to their belief that the CBD and proposed City Sentral shopping complex will revive the city's fortunes.
Council and Labour leader Mohammed Pervez said: "The Tory government continues to cut our funding in a manner that threatens the very existence of the council and we need to plan for the future which is in jobs and growth.
"The council's move to the city centre will open new opportunities for Stoke town to draw in new businesses and housing growth."
Unaffiliated councillor Paul Breeze, supported by the City Independents, will present tonight's motion tonight calling on the council to scrap its plans.
He said: "The council, the chief executive and the officers are not taking any real notice of the people of the city. There has been no discussion, no debate and no real consultation over what is a major change of identity.
"There is a real groundswell of opposition. I can't walk down the street without somebody stopping to ask what the council is playing at. The public just don't want it. Politically, I think Labour is writing the longest suicide note in its history."
Thousands of residents and traders have signed petitions against the relocation.
Staffordshire entrepreneur Martin Peet, founder of the Mr Simms' Olde Sweet Shoppe chain, said he will 'have a decision to make' when the lease on his Stoke store expires later this year.
He said: "It will decimate Stoke. It's Potteries' people's money being wasted. The buildings in Stoke will not be sold. They will end up being knocked down. The whole strategy is wrong."
37 Comments
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by Whippet
Friday, January 25 2013, 5:49PM
“This has been down before remember Unity House was moved to Stoke for exactly the same reason....to 'revatalise' Stoke at a cost of over 21million in 1992. Was this a success?? Yes a CBD would benefit stoke create jobs & would be good for the area..but the Council offices dont need to be included in these plans..its not worked before & cost millions already to relocate Civic centre on the same site as Unity House?
FACT: The high street is diminishing...3 weeks into 2013 - Jessops/Comet/Blockbuster/HMV and more close to home britannia gone...STOKE COUNCIL SOLUTION: build a new council office & get a 40million+ bank loan. In this current climate...when they are cutting services? Agree or Disagree - make your voice heard on this Petition! If over 5000 people sign they have to listen!
http://tinyurl.com/c3dw4el”
by dusty2011
Friday, January 25 2013, 1:41PM
“I would like to know if anyone has asked the question, "Why can't they build the centre without moving the council offices". Seems to me the best thing all round!”
by GilbertL
Friday, January 25 2013, 10:07AM
“RegenMan
I was feeling a bit desolate yesterday. Me and my family will be at the March on Stoke on 23rd Feb.
Just because the council can get its hands on 40 million quid to build a new civic centre doesn't mean it should.”
by RegenMan1
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:55AM
“@ GilbertL
"RegenMan, very true. Today i feel like we're fighting a losing battle against the council. I'm beginning to wonder why I should even care"
That's the idea. Get everyone so totally disillusioned that they don't bother objecting, don't bother responding to consultations, don't bother voting. Just roll over and let them tickle your tum.
Then, the small numbers that continue to vote / be interested, have a much greater say in what happens.
And it's working. Look at the declining turnouts for elections.”
by RegenMan1
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:47AM
“Bother.
http://tinyurl.com/3hetguq
Is the link to the stoke council corporate website in their original post.”
by RegenMan1
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:44AM
“OMG
LOL
Haven't seen anyone use that Trivial Pursuits Cheese Wheel in a graphic for a couple of decades.
Pervez says I set out in detail…..
Where?
My copy of The Sentinel must have been savaged by the Cunna Wunna Dunna's because it was seriously lacking in detail. Blagg, bluff, bluster and spin.
I hope you're better at your chemistry than you are at putting together a reasoned argument Mr Pervez.
The council, in its own post on this site states "Further details will appear in the next edition of Our City and on http://tinyurl.com/3hetguq in the near future". Why was it not on-line simultaneously you blundering fools.
I've said it before, is anyone actually in control down at the civic centre anymore?
Banging haphazardly from one crisis to another, rather like the ball on a pinball table.”
by spitzystoke
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:04AM
“How dare they waste my taxes on this low grade rubbish?
The piece was poor and had no good factual information or argument.
Where's the beef?
Grade 2/10 - The author does not seem to understand the subject?
it's made it worse for me.
Bring on 'The March'
Pervez out!”
by gormhenghast
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:35PM
“"AND OF CASTLES MADE OF SAND THAT MELT SLOWLY INTO THE SEA".
Laughing Stock do your job and cart Pervy off with your self, drop him off in Birmingham on your way South with wifey.”
by jokerjohnny
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:38PM
“MarkEllam
monkeys with Red Rosettes, isnt that racist lol ?”
by I_Norris
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:18PM
“bemused_stare: apologises didnt noticed you'd already replied, notice PJeel not responded”