A community and business hub in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent is transforming an unused part of its building by creating a new £100,000 multi-use area for creative groups. 

Work has begun to put the finishing touches to The Bridge Centre building in Birches Head, by converting an unused space which was previously a boiler house and coal house, into a community space which will feature multi-use and breakout rooms and a new toilet facility.

The building, which was previously a high school and was purchased by The Bridge Centre Trust in 2006, houses numerous businesses, public bodies, a church and community groups and holds regular conferences and events throughout the year. 

Andrew Leake, Chairman of The Bridge Centre Trust, said: "Our vision is to convert the disused rooms into a multi-use community space. 

"The redevelopment of this section of the building has been a long time coming, and we are thrilled to announce we are starting work." 

The Trust is hopeful the new facility will be open and ready to use in January 2026, and wants hobby, craft and community groups to come forward to express their interest in using the facility. 

Andrew added: "we will be creating a high quality, multi-use space that can accommodate all sorts of creative groups.  

"We believe this will be a fantastic facility for the community and will enable many more people to learn new skills and find groups of likeminded people to share them with"