In the first phase Genr8 is building 210,000 sq ft over two buildings which have been provided for occupation by the city council.
The scheme has been branded Smithfield, after the original Smithfield bottle works on the site, and is being marketed by Jones Lang LaSalle. It will also include a hotel, retail and leisure space. Contractor Laing O’Rourke is expected to complete the first phase in early 2015.
Genr8 partner Mike Smith said: “Extensive work has been done on both the scheme’s design and brand proposition to ensure that Smithfield is the landmark development that will re-position Stoke-on-Trent in the minds of occupiers and investors.
“Smithfield is the catalyst that will spark the wider regeneration of the city and we are delivering a project and an environment that will put Stoke-on-Trent on the national stage and attract major inward investment.”
Council leader Mohammed Pervez said: “As the first phase starts on site, we breathe new life into our city centre. We are creating the right conditions to make our city one of the best places to bring business and investment, so that we create more jobs for local people. Smithfield is at the very heart of this work.
“The city council has shown great commitment to Smithfield by taking significant space to stimulate private sector confidence in the scheme and encourage inward investment.”