Construction gets underway at Zanzibar
Written by Hitmix Local News on 23 July 2026
Construction gets underway at Zanzibar
Construction has officially commenced at the former Zanzibar nightclub site in Newcastle-under-Lyme, marking a major step forward for a scheme that has been stalled for a number of years.
Social impact developer, Capital&Centric, is now transforming the long-standing brownfield site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood, delivering 63 affordable homes alongside five enterprise units at a key gateway into the town centre.
Groundworks are progressing on site under a letter of intent agreed earlier this year, with HBC Construction appointed to deliver the scheme.
The contractor brings a strong track record in residential-led regeneration and is also working with Capital&Centric at nearby Rye Park, where it is delivering 175 new homes, including 43 affordable properties in partnership with Aspire Housing.
The start on site represents a significant milestone for a location that has long been waiting for its next chapter, with the plans set to bring new homes, workspace and activity back to a prominent yet underused part of the town.
Jonny Nolan, Development Manager at Capital&Centric, said:
“This is a site that’s been waiting in the wings for a long time, so getting boots on the ground is a big moment. We’re now moving at pace to turn it into something that works for the town – new homes people can actually afford, space for local businesses and a neighbourhood that feels connected.
“Having HBC already on board and underway means we can hit the ground running. They know how we work and bring the right experience to help deliver a scheme like this.”
Social impact developer Capital&Centric now spends an average of £3m across eight live construction sites, driving regeneration in towns and cities nationwide by transforming unloved land and buildings into vibrant neighbourhoods that revitalise communities.
