Residents are being encouraged to have their say on ambitious multi-million-pound plans to revamp three town centres across Stoke-on-Trent – which could see provision created for street cafes and vibrant community spaces.
A total of £6 million in Government funding is being allocated to public realm improvements in Tunstall, Burslem and Stoke, aiming to boost footfall, enhance business activity and celebrate the unique heritage of each town.
Public consultation events will be held in each of the three towns over the next few weeks, giving residents the opportunity to share their views and influence the final designs before work begins later this year.
Burslem has received £1.25 million from the Levelling Up Programme to enhance the Queen Street area. The project aims to create a more attractive town centre, support local businesses, boost investment and improve civic pride by enhancing the setting of historic listed buildings like the Wedgwood Institute and Burslem School of Art. It will also improve pedestrian access from new housing developments to the south and east.
The proposed improvements also include wider pavements and a narrower road to enhance pedestrian access and create space for street cafes and activities. The plan features new tree planting for biodiversity, natural stone materials to complement the historic conservation area, and an improved carriageway with priority for pedestrians, while maintaining access to businesses for deliveries.
The scheme will also support efforts to improve the condition of Burslem Market Hall and the Wedgwood Institute and prevent further deterioration while future uses are explored. Swan Square could also be cleaned and refurbished.
In Tunstall, proposals focus on better connecting key areas such as the High Street, Tower Square, Butterfield Place, and the Alexandra Park shopping area. Plans also include the creation of a high-quality public space centred around Tower Square and the Clock Tower.
In Stoke, the funding will be used to improve the public square on South Wolfe Street, next to Stoke Library. The vision is to establish a vibrant community space for regular outdoor events, such as street markets and live music performances.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council will share more details on the proposals for each town online before the relevant consultation events here.
The first event will be held at Burslem School of Art on Friday, 21 February (10am-4pm) and Saturday, 22 February (10am-2pm). Further consultation events will be held in Tunstall indoor market on Friday, 7 March (10am-4pm) and Saturday, 8 March (10am-2pm), and in Stoke indoor market at the same times.
The project aligns with other Government-funded initiatives across the towns, including the £3.5million redevelopment of the former Tunstall Library building, a £20million transformation of the Spode site in Stoke, and multi-million-pound investments to preserve and revitalise Burslem’s historic landmarks, including the Wedgwood Institute and Burslem Indoor Market.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We really want as many people as possible to feedback on these exciting plans which will help to breathe new life into Burslem, Stoke, and Tunstall town centres.
“The regeneration proposals we have set out will improve the economic viability of the towns, help better link key parts of the towns, and are being developed to complement the other exciting project work taking place.
“So, it is vital to hear residents’ priorities for spending the money and to use these ideas to shape the final plan ready for work to start later this year.”
As well as attending the consultation events, residents can submit feedback via email at PublicRealm@stoke.gov.uk A survey relating to the plans for Burslem is also available now and can be found here.
