Down the line there will be even more opportunities created at Goods Yard with approximately 237 local jobs set to be created in leisure and hospitality and an estimated annual employment impact of £5.4 million.

It is all part of a joint mission by Capital&Centric and the council to deliver positive social value from the regeneration project.

Since starting on site contractors Bowmer + Kirkland have engaged with nearly 3,000 students from schools and colleges across Stoke-on-Trent, highlighting a range of careers in the construction industry.

Ajmal Muhammed from Stoke-on-Trent College successfully completed a placement with B+K and has since been accepted onto a degree apprenticeship programme as a trainee quantity surveyor.

Ajmal was given the opportunity to work at Goods Yard after attending Capital&Centric’s Regeneration Brainery event, a pioneering initiative which aims to get more diverse young people into property careers.

Ajmal, who lives in Tunstall, said: “I was offered an apprenticeship with B+K after smashing my interview and getting the results I needed from college, I got a distinction star and two distinctions.

“I’ve been here a few months now and my favourite part of the site is The Vaults, I’ve just never seen anything like it before it’s really interesting.

“I will be helping to finish the Goods Yard which is really exciting, then once it’s complete I’ll be moving onto another B+K project. I have just started at Salford University too where I am working towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor.”

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Ajmal is really enthusiastic about being able to work on this landmark development, and it is great that he has been given the opportunity to hone his skills on a major regeneration project in his home city.

“Goods Yard is a first-of-its-kind scheme for Stoke-on-Trent but it’s far greater than bricks and mortar. It’s great to see the social benefits coming to fruition with a number of successful apprenticeships and local people employed during construction.

“We’re very pleased to be working with Capital&Centric and B+K who both prioritise local impact. We’ll also see many more jobs and opportunities once Goods Yard is complete next year, making a real difference to people and the local economy.”

Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “Regeneration is not just about creating new spaces for people to live, work and hang out. Making sure the benefits are felt locally is just as important and takes time and effort.

“From the apprentices on site to the work we’ve done with young people through Regeneration Brainery we’ve made sure social value sits at the heart of the development.”

Mona Baig, social value co-ordinator at Bowmer + Kirkland said: “We are pleased to have achieved our social value targets on the Goods Yard project. Engaging positively within the community is of utmost importance to us.

“Stoke-on-Trent offers a wide range of diverse talents for which we have been happy to provide and facilitate opportunities for on this major local project.

“We hope our continued engagement with job seekers, young people and local charities within the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire area will create a long-term positive impact to the local community. With thanks to our supply chain partners, we look forward to continuing our support within the local area.”