The application was made by HDD Newcastle-under-Lyme Limited, a joint venture between Henry Davidson Developments (HDD) and property regeneration specialist U+I.

HDD will develop the scheme and provide accommodation for students at Keele University, which has plans to expand.

Castle House will be redeveloped into a new hub for access to public services, including the borough council, county council and Staffordshire Police

The regeneration of Ryecroft and the project at Castle House is expected to save taxpayers more than £60m in property running costs.

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Richard Croft, director at HDD, said: “We are now closer to making our plans a reality in Newcastle-under-Lyme and would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our pre-application consultation and helped to shape the final scheme.

“We hope to have a decision at planning committee later this year and be in a position to announce some exciting retailers who would like to be part of our development plans next year.”

Simon Hesketh, director of regeneration at U+I, added: “We are delighted to have submitted our planning application.

“Our investment complements existing facilities and will breathe fresh life into the heart of the town, creating new jobs and economic growth.

“We look forward to progressing the plans, so local people, students and visitors can enjoy the new facilities in the near future.”

Subject to planning permission, work on the Ryecroft development site could begin early in 2018.