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(Pictured: Church Street, Stoke Town - Source: Mark Waugh)

Up to £2 million is set to be used in Stoke-upon-Trent to renovate historic town centre buildings. One of the original six towns of Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-upon-Trent (or simply, Stoke town) is set for an economic boost after a £95 Million Fund was announced by Central Government - established to preserve heritage, and to help revive historic high streets throughout the UK.


Stoke-on-Trent City Council has set out plans for a cash injection into the historic town, Stoke-upon-Trent,after highlighting the area as a "Hertiage Action Zone". Current plans include creating new homes above the retail units on Church Street (pictured above), in addition to opening up the courtyard at Spode. The work, which will take place over the next four-years, will build on the previous redevelopments of the Spode site and the recently-completed refurbishment of the Sutherland Chambers.

Council Leader, Abi Brown commented:

“We are thrilled to receive this funding. It demonstrates the confidence shown in our commitment to protect and preserve our city’s wonderful architecture and heritage”

“In Stoke town, we have a strong track record of working with Historic England to restore significant sites – since 2015 more than £1m has been spent on 10 projects including rejuvenating the former Barclays Bank building, creating the wonderful Spode visitor centre, restoring Grade II tombs at Stoke Minster churchyard, and the just-completed stunning heritage works to Sutherland Chambers.”

“This funding will enable us to build on these successes, opening up the courtyard behind the Spode gates on Church Street, and improving building conditions, connecting Spode with the town. We are committed to supporting the town and want it to thrive as an attractive place for people to visit and stay.”

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(Pictured: The Sutherland Chambers Renovation)

A total of 69 new Heritage Action Zones are being created across the country - with £92 million of the Historic High Street Fund coming from the UK Government, and a further £3 million being provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Historic England will be overseeing the Government's investment.

Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Regional Director for the Midlands, said:

“It’s fantastic news for the people and businesses of Stoke town that it will receive much needed funding to help support its historic high streets.”

“Historic England is looking forward to working with the local community and stakeholders on this exciting project, and we are hopeful for the future prospects of the area.”

Culture Secretary, Nicky Morgan stated:

“Our nation’s heritage is one of our great calling cards to the world, attracting millions of visitors to beautiful historic buildings that sit at the heart of our communities.”

“It is right we ensure these buildings are preserved for future generations but it is important we make them work for the modern world. This £95 million will help breathe new life into high streets all over England, benefiting businesses, supporting our much-loved buildings and helping to make our communities more attractive places to live, work and visit.”


Edited by Josh Heath