Photo: Hammersley Fountain in Hanley Park
People are being invited to help decide which heritage assets to restore, as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s ongoing centenary celebrations.
Re-Form Heritage, working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, is delivering a new Centenary Restoration Fund to restore “small but significant” features that help shape the character of each of the six towns.
The charity – which runs Middleport Pottery – helps transform historic buildings at risk for the benefit of the local and wider community.
In December 2023, it was appointed as the official heritage development trust for Stoke-on-Trent, part of a UK-wide network of organisations that revive unused buildings and support regeneration.
The centenary restoration initiative has come about thanks to a £240,252 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Online public meeting
Bosses say the sorts of landmarks that could be included in the project are things like statues, war memorials, fountains, murals and street furniture that matter to local communities.
An online public event will take place on Wednesday 17th December (6-7pm) where residents can find out more about the scheme and how to take part in the city-wide vote.
During the session, the Re-Form Heritage team will outline the aims of the fund, explain the shortlist and how residents can nominate assets they feel deserve attention.
A recording will be made available afterwards for anyone unable to attend.
Votes and nominations will help shape the final selection, alongside other factors including the size and historic significance of each asset as well as the complexity and cost of repair work.
‘Small but meaningful’
Voting will open on Wednesday 17th December and will run until Sunday 25th January.
Residents will be able to vote online or by picking up a paper form from the reception at Middleport Pottery.
“This project is all about the little heritage treasures that make our city special. We know how much pride people have in their local landmarks and we really want to hear which ones mean the most,” said Inês Jorge, from Re-Form Heritage.
“We have the chance to protect the small but meaningful heritage features that hold so many memories for local people.”
“It’s great that we’re working with our heritage development trust, Re-Form Heritage, on this project,” said council leader Jane Ashworth.
“It will not only restore important local landmarks but also give communities the chance to shape how we care for them in the future.”
You can read more from Hannah Hiles by visiting her website.
Follow So Staffordshire on Facebook, Threads and Instagram, or email staffordshire@so-counties.co.uk with story suggestions and to enquire about advertising opportunities.
