An historic Stoke-on-Trent town centre has been added to a national list of 'at risk' heritage.

Burslem conservation area is among the new additions to Historic England's Heritage at Risk register in 2015.

The conservation area covers the 'historic Georgian core' of the Mother Town, and includes some of Stoke-on-Trent's most iconic buildings, including the Wedgwood Institute, the Queens Theatre, Burslem School of Art and the Old Town Hall.

The Grade II* listed Wedgwood Institute in Queen Street was already included on the register.

Historic England maintains the register to celebrate the country's built heritage and ensure that it is safeguarded for future generations. Buildings are added to the list because they are considered at risk of 'neglect, decay or inappropriate development'.

Historic England says that Burslem conservations area contains a 'rich concentration' of late 18th and 19th century pottery works, workers' housing and civic buildings, reflecting the town's 'pivotal role' in the ceramics industry.

The Wedgwood Institute is Grade II* listed (image via Pete Stonier)

A spokesperson said: "Landmark structures such as the Wedgwood Institute and School of Art, along with the surviving kiln landscapes, illustrate both the prosperity and craftsmanship that once defined Burslem.

"Despite its significance, the conservation area has long faced challenges including dereliction, structural decline, and loss of historic fabric.

"Historic England has worked closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and local partners to tackle these issues, funding building repair schemes and heritage-led regeneration initiatives, with the aim of safeguarding Burslem's distinctive character and revitalising it for future community use."

Last year the city council secured £318,966 from Historic England for repair works to ensure the Wedgwood Institute is weather-right and safe to access.

The city council recently carried out a 'planned and controlled' demolition on part of the site as part of efforts to make the building structurally safe.

Elsewhere in Burslem, plans are being drawn up to bring the Queens Theatre back into use as Kilmister Halls – a 1,000-seat rock venue named after Motorhead frontman Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister, who was born in the Mother Town.

The Heritage at Risk register include the Bethesda Chapel in Hanley, St Mark's Church in Shelton and the former Chatterley Whitfield colliery.