Knutton Redevelopment, Frank Soo Inducted into SOT Hall of Fame

Plans for a multi-million-pound redevelopment in the heart of a community is set to take a major step forward next week.

Ambitious proposals to revitalise and regenerate Knutton village brought forward by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, working with Aspire Housing and Staffordshire County Council, will bring investment, employment opportunities and much-needed housing and leisure facilities.

Using vacant land in the centre of the village, off High Street, the plans include an expanded enterprise centre for new and growing businesses, a village hall which would be locally managed, residential development and green space.

The project has undergone a full public consultation, which has led to some changes to reflect community needs. This included ensuring the new village hall is built on the High Street land with the retention and improvement of current play facilities nearby.  The whole scheme is supported by a £3.5 million allocation from the Newcastle Town Deal.

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The late Frank Soo, an ex-professional English football player who played for Stoke City and England during wartime matches will be inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame. He was the first player of Chinese origin to play in the English Football League, and the first player of an ethnic minority background to represent England.   In a career spanning either side of the Second World War, Frank played 173 games for Stoke City and scored five goals, between 1933 and 1945.  The Sporting Hall of Fame displays the names of individuals who have exhibited exceptional levels of commitment, passion and dedication to their sports. Frank’s name will be listed amongst the likes of other exceptional Stoke-on-Trent sports people, including someone he played alongside –  Sir Stanley Matthews.