Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has given its support to two major regeneration proposals which will help to transform the heart of the town.

The two multi-million pound projects will create a major shopping development, house hundreds of university students and unite local government and police services in the town centre.

Moving out of their current headquarters, the council will relocate into a brand-new public sector hub with Staffordshire County Council, alongside some of Newcastle’s police officers.

In their current headquarters, the two councils and the police would cost the taxpayer around £100m over the next 60 years, compared to the £60m cost of the hub.

Cllr Elizabeth Shenton, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: 'Both these projects will bring significant benefits to our town – both individually and jointly. Our milestone decisions this evening will spark the biggest investment in Newcastle in a generation.

'They will bring about more than £40m investment into the heart of Newcastle; create 351 new operational jobs and 204 temporary ones in construction; boost retail turnover by at least £29m; boost student spending in the town centre by at least £500,000 a year and save our taxpayers vast sums through public sector organisations working together in a modern building.'

Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: 'This is a prime example of how county and borough authorities can work together with other partners to meet the needs of communities and provide locally relevant solutions.'