CPO Statement September 2024

East Staffordshire Borough Council is deeply disappointed to confirm that the seller of the Maltings Shopping Precinct in Uttoxeter (Systemshare Limited/M J Barrett Group) has unexpectedly withdrawn from the transaction just two weeks before the proposed exchange and completion of contracts.

M J Barrett Group has confirmed that they will be proceeding with an alternative bidder, who intends to refurbish the precinct instead of redeveloping it, and has since ignored communication from the Council regarding the details of this proposal and the identity of the bidder. As such, the Council would like to extend an open invitation to the bidder to engage with the Council regarding the regeneration of this important town centre site.

Feedback from the recent public consultation on development plans for the Maltings precinct are currently being worked into the next design iterations alongside the consultation response.

The Council is completely committed to the full regeneration of the Maltings Shopping Precinct. If a resolution cannot be found, the Council will be required to proceed with a Compulsory Purchase Order in relation to the Maltings Precinct. This will be considered at the December Cabinet Meeting, alongside the previously mentioned development plans and consultation feedback.