Planning documents linked to the vacant unit at Friary Retail Park appear to indicate that the building could be set to become a new store for the Iceland brand, potentially operating as either an Iceland supermarket or Iceland Food Warehouse.
The plans do not formally confirm the name of the future occupier in the main application description. However, documents submitted as part of the planning application state that the building is being prepared for occupation by a discount food retailer.
Stafford Borough Council has already approved the change, meaning the former TK Maxx building can now be brought back into retail use.
Plans approved for a discount food retailer
The planning application, reference 25/41329/FUL, relates to Unit 2 at Friary Retail Park, The Green, Stafford.
It was submitted in October 2025 and validated in January 2026 before being approved by Stafford Borough Council on Wednesday 15 April 2026.
The proposal is described as the use of the premises for Class E(a) retail use.
However, a detailed transport statement submitted with the application provides more information about the type of retailer expected to occupy the building.
The document states that the unrestricted Class E(a) use is intended to enable occupation by a discount food retailer.
It also confirms that the former TK Maxx unit would undergo internal changes, including the removal of its mezzanine floor.
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Store would be smaller than the former TK Maxx
The former TK Maxx building has a total floor area of around 29,794 square feet, including its mezzanine level.
Under the approved plans, the mezzanine would be removed, reducing the retail floor area to around 20,160 square feet.
The planning documents state that the proposed changes would be internal only, with no changes planned to the existing access to the site.
The current car park has 127 spaces, including five accessible bays and six electric vehicle charging bays. Staffordshire County Council agreed that the existing level of parking would be sufficient for the proposed use, meaning no changes to the parking layout are planned.
What does this mean for Iceland in Stafford?
Iceland already operates a store in Stafford town centre at Gaolgate Place.
It is not yet clear whether a possible new Iceland-branded store at Friary Retail Park would operate alongside the existing town centre branch, replace it, or use the Iceland Food Warehouse format.
Iceland Food Warehouse stores are generally larger-format stores, with a wider range of products and more space than a typical town centre Iceland branch.
The size of the former TK Maxx building, combined with the planning documents referring to a discount food retailer, could make either format possible.
At this stage, neither Iceland nor Iceland Food Warehouse has been formally confirmed as the future occupier of the Stafford site.
New retailer was first revealed earlier this year
Stafford Bulletin previously reported that a new retailer was expected to move into the former TK Maxx building after the lease for the Heart of Stafford building came to an end.
The building has been used as the Heart of Stafford since TK Maxx moved out, hosting a range of community, creative and temporary activities.
The latest planning information now provides a clearer indication of the type of retailer that could be heading to the site.
If confirmed, the arrival of Iceland or Iceland Food Warehouse would bring a major food retailer to Friary Retail Park, which sits close to Stafford town centre and alongside major road routes.
Stafford Bulletin will provide a further update if Iceland or the new occupier officially confirms plans for the building.
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