Stoke-on-Trent declares heritage emergency as it calls for over £300m investment to save historic sites

Stoke-on-Trent has become the first city in the UK to declare a heritage emergency, calling for urgent investment to protect its most significant heritage sites. 

A new prospectus, The Potteries: A National Heritage Emergency, sets out a ten-year plan needing £325 million of public and private investment to safeguard the city’s historic assets and support regeneration. 

The call to action makes clear the ambition for the city’s heritage is “bold” - but warns the financial realities mean that “some historic assets will be lost entirely”. 

It adds: “The challenge is arduous but the potential to create a heritage destination of international appeal would provide cultural and economic returns that far outweigh the initial investment and ensure a sustainable future for the city’s heritage and reputation as the cradle of the industrial revolution. 

“We therefore face an immediate choice. It is a choice for the nation, not just the city.” 

Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage is nationally and internationally significant. The city is home to more than 275 listed buildings, 22 conservation areas, five scheduled monuments and five registered historic parks. Sixteen sites are officially at risk, with many more in serious decline. 

The prospectus was launched at Claybody Theatre’s Dipping House on the historic Spode Works site. The site is a clear example of heritage-led regeneration, with new studios, businesses and cultural activity now operating across the former Spode ceramics factory. 

It calls on government, national bodies, funders and private owners to join a long-term effort to safeguard the city’s heritage and unlock growth.  

The city council is actively investing in heritage, most recently committing more than £6.5 million to help safeguard three of the city's most significant heritage buildings – Burslem Indoor Market, the Wedgwood Institute and Falcon Works - so they are preserved ready for future use.   

It is also actively working through major partnerships including The National Lottery Heritage Fund – as one of the first nine places set to benefit from a share of £200 million as part of the Heritage Places Initiative - and organisations including Re-Form Heritage, Capital&Centric and Dog & Bone to deliver large-scale regeneration. 

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council, said: “Saving our historic sites is not just a local issue - Stoke-on-Trent should be an international jewel. 

“We’re the world capital of ceramics, a World Craft City with ambitions to become a UNESCO Creative City and the birthplace of a global industry. But without urgent action our nationally and internationally significant sites could be lost forever.  

“These buildings are an important part of our identity in Stoke-on-Trent. They’re tangible links to our history, creativity and the story of our city. But they aren’t just part of our past – the can and should be part of our future, too. Revitalising our historic buildings could be a major economic driver, creating new venues for work and leisure and boosting tourism in the wake of a hugely-successful Centenary year.   

“We are getting on with playing our part. But the task is enormous and we need others to step up, too. 

 “We’ve already seen what’s possible. Sites like Spode, Middleport, Fenton Town Hall and the historic Vaults at the Goods Yard have been restored and brought back into use. But we can only do this with strong support and collaboration from government, national organisations and owners of public and private assets.”  

Although the investment needed is significant, work is already underway to find new, sustainable uses for some of the city’s most important heritage assets. A new memorandum of understanding with IFK Legacy CIC will explore future options for the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem – with ambitions for a music and arts venue celebrating Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Work by new owners Heronceau Properties is progressing at Hanley Town Hall, where plans for an aparthotel, café and co-working space are bringing the building back into use. 

The council continues to work with partners, including Historic England, Homes England, Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Re-Form Heritage. The aim is to safeguard historic assets, strengthen the city’s role as a global centre of craftsmanship and innovation, and ensure that Stoke-on-Trent’s past continues to shape its future.