EP launches developer hunt for Staffs site

English Partnerships (EP) is inviting developers to put forward proposals to build 300 new homes and community facilities on the site of a former Silverdale Colliery site in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.   The national regeneration agency has invited expressions of interest for 23.7-acres of land which will form an urban extension to Silverdale village, close to Keele University Science Park, Newcastle town centre and the city of Stoke-on-Trent.   A developer is expected to be selected in June with work due to start on the residential development in spring 2009.   EP is currently reclaiming 258 acres of the former mining land at Silverdale to prepare it for residential development and create a new 234-acre country park.   The regeneration work is in line with an indicative masterplan for the site, developed together with the local community which shows that the residential land may be developed with 300 homes – 25% of which will be for affordable housing – a village square and children’s play areas.   Peter Murray, EP’s area director for the West Midlands, said: “The regeneration of Silverdale Colliery represents a fantastic opportunity to create a high quality new residential environment with significant amenities for local residents.”   The colliery was closed in 1998 and was acquired by EPs’ National Coalfields Programme in 2002.   Outline consent was granted in 2006, following an extensive community masterplanning process.   lisa.pilkington@rbi.co.uk