Work starts today on pulling together a programme of regeneration projects so Stoke-on-Trent can best capitalise on its share of a £200 million pot from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Earlier this week the city was revealed as one of only 20 places that will get a portion of the money – and council chiefs are already looking at ways the cash can improve and enhance heritage, culture and the environment in a bid to revitalise the local economy.
The first step is to put a spending proposal together for the funding required. Although too early to reveal specific plans, it is understood the estimated six-figure allocation will be used to build on ongoing Heritage Action Zone work.
This has already led to improvement works at historic pubs, Stoke high street and the Spode Works site. It will also build on schemes surrounding major visitor attraction venues, like the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Councillor Jane Ashworth said: “We are now going to work with the Heritage Lottery Fund, and our local communities, to put together a proposed programme of work.
“This could include heritage building-related projects, environmental improvements and community activities, to ensure the money we eventually receive as part of the Heritage Places initiative is spent in the right place and in the right way.
“A lot of work is already going on to safeguard and develop our heritage in the city including our ongoing Heritage Action Zone projects and our plans for a Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent as well as our future vision for the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and the launch of the Living Heritage City Trail.
“While it is too early for us to say exactly how this money will be used, we hope that this additional financial support will enable us and our communities to continue this important work.”
The £200 million funding is being made available through Heritage Places – a long-term initiative being introduced by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It forms part of its 10-year strategy, Heritage 2033, to help increase the contribution heritage makes to people and places.
On Monday, the first nine Heritage Places were chosen. As well as Stoke-on-Trent, the other areas are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, County Durham, Glasgow, Leicester, Medway, Neath Port Talbot, North East Lincolnshire, and Torbay.
A further 11 Heritage Places will now be considered as part of a three-year delivery plan – meaning a total of 20 locations will be in line for funding.
