Two Stoke-on-Trent heritage sites are among 37 in England to benefit from £15 million in repair grants, it has been announced this morning.
The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund has awarded £1 million to fund urgent repairs to make Burslem Indoor Market safe and watertight, work seen as an essential first step to bringing the landmark back into use, breathing new life into the town centre and supporting its regeneration.
Repairs will include extensive work to the barrel-vaulted roof, windows, timber and stonework, and drainage.
Once secure, potential uses for the Grade II-listed market hall which closed in 2003 include hosting community events, exhibitions, and local gatherings, allowing residents to reconnect with their heritage and enjoy the space once again.
In the same round of funding, £521,737 will go to Bethesda Methodist Chapel with upcoming works including the restoration of the Hanley chapel’s interior, repairing ceiling coving, plasterwork, and timber panelling on the walls, and carrying out structural repairs.
Daily Focus reported in January that local charity Re-form Heritage has taken ownership of the Grade II*-listed building known as the Cathedral of the Potteries. Plans are to use the building as a specialist educational, performance and exhibition venue.
The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund is led by Historic England, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and aims to rescue listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or demolition.
The one-year fund prioritises heritage sites serving disadvantaged communities and which demonstrate strong local benefits, from job creation to cultural events.
Successful projects in the Midlands total £4.3 million.
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: “Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes.
“This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation’s most disadvantaged areas. We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “Our extraordinary heritage weaves together the stories that define who we are as communities and as a nation.
“We are delivering on our Plan for Change, through the Heritage at Risk Fund, by breathing new life into treasured places, buildings and monuments across the Midlands, helping to increase opportunities and ensuring that future generations have access to our rich heritage.”
