Stoke-on-Trent has become the first city in the UK to declare a "heritage emergency", calling for a £325m investment to save historic sites. 

Today (Friday 23 January), Stoke-on-Trent City Council launched a new prospectus setting out a 10-year plan needing £325 million of public and private investment to safeguard the city's historic assets. 

The council explained that their ambition for the city's heritage is "bold" but warned that financial realties mean that "some historic assets will be lost entirely".   

The prospectus, called 'The Potteries: A National Heritage Emergency', states: "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 is home to more than 275 listed buildings, 22 conservation areas, five scheduled monuments and five registered historic parks. 

The council explained that sixteen sites are officially at risk, with many more in serious decline. 

The prospectus, launched at Claybody Theatre's Dipping House on the historic Spode Works site, calls on government, national bodies, funders and private owners to join a long-term effort to safeguard the city's heritage.   

advertisement

advertisement

The declaration follows the city council recently committing more than £6.5 million to help safeguard Burslem Indoor Market, the Wedgwood Institute and Falcon Works. 

The council recently committed £6.5 million to help safeguard three historic sites including the Wedgwood Institute (image via Nub News)

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.   

advertisement

advertisement

"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."   

A memorandum of understanding between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and IFK Legacy CIC was recently signed to explore future options for the Queen's Theatre in Burslem with ambitions for a music and arts venue celebrating Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister.  

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: "There is no place that is like Stoke-on-Trent and I mean that in the best way possible. 

"We are the only truly polycentric city where local identity still matters to everyone. 

"We powered this country through an industrial revolution before and I have absolutely no doubt that we can do it again. 

"We aren't a place of the past, we are a place of the future."

He added : "Our job now is to make the past and the future come together to make something even more special."

advertisement

advertisement

Cllr Godron-McCusker also explained that the push to protect the city's heritage assets should "touch all four corners of the city and all six towns".

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said it continues to work with partners including Historic England, Homes England, Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Re-Form Heritage to safeguard historic assets and "strengthen the city's role as a global centre of craftsmanship and innovation".