Stoke-on-Trent has become the first city in the UK to declare a heritage emergency, warning that without urgent action some of its most important historic sites could be lost forever.
A new prospectus, The Potteries: A National Heritage Emergency, sets out a bold ten-year plan requiring £325m of public and private investment to protect and repurpose the city’s heritage.
The council describes the plan as ‘bold’ but acknowledges that ‘some historic assets will be lost entirely’.
Home to more than 275 listed buildings, 22 conservation areas and multiple nationally significant sites, Stoke-on-Trent faces mounting pressures, with at least 16 heritage assets officially at risk.
The prospectus calls on government, funders, national bodies and private owners to work together to unlock heritage-led growth.
Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council, said: ‘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 – they 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.’
