Residents have had a chance to give their views on multi-million pound plans to bring historic buildings back into use.

The Grade II-listed Tunstall Library and Baths and the neighbouring former drill hall would be turned into 39 apartments along with bars, leisure facilities and commercial and community space under the proposals from Tunstall Library Development Ltd.

The first of two public consultation events was held at Tunstall Town Hall on Tuesday, to give members of the public a chance to view the plans and give their views. Tunstall Library Development , set up by businessman Stanley Yu and Stafford-based Croft Architecture, says that feedback from the consultation will be considered as the planning application is prepared for submission over the coming weeks.

The scheme has been allocated £3.35 million of government cash from Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Levelling Up Fund award.

Members of the public were invited to view the plans at a consultation event (LDRS).

Phil Rowley was among those who attended the consultation event on Tuesday. He said: "I did have some concerns about the terracotta lettering on the library building because of the way the artist's impression looked, but I've been assured that they will be retained.

"It seems to be a pretty sensible plan, with residential but some public uses as well. The worst thing that could happen is that it remains a mouldering old building for years.

"We'll have to see whether they have the funds to carry out all the plans. The £3 million of government funding they have isn't going to go very far."

Lindsay Glover, from the Chell Area Family Action Group, also welcomed the proposals, but called for the plans to include restoring the swimming pool for public use.

Tunstall Baths closed in 2011 as part of council cuts. The proposals for the building, which are still being finalised, could see the swimming pool hall divided into a recreational spa area and a gym/dance studio.

Ms Glover said: "I'm chuffed that a beautiful old building like this is being brought back into use. But the thing I'm really interested in is the swimming pool. It would be great to see the pool brought back for local people to use.

The scheme has been allocated £3.35 million of government cash (Croft Architecture).

"Tunstall is still mourning the loss of the baths, which sounds silly but it's true. Swimming is such an important skill for children to learn. It can save their lives."

Architect Mike Ip, from Croft Architecture, said the designers of the scheme were keen on balancing factors such as the views of the community, and the historic nature of the buildings.

He said: "Working with a listed building does add to the complexity. So we have to consider what is acceptable from a heritage point of view, while also ensuring the scheme is viable, and also that it is something that the local community can support – and that it what today's consultation is about."

A second consultation event will take place at Tunstall Town Hall on Wednesday, September 4, from 4pm to 8pm. Detailed plans can also be viewed at www.tunstall-library.co.uk.

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