An application has been submitted to turn a former Grade II-listed Stoke-on-Trent Library building into an events venue. 

The former Stoke Library on London Road was purpose-built as a library and Shakespeare Institute in 1878 and was sold at auction in December 2024 with a guide price of £150,000. 

The applicant wants to make some external and internal changes to the building as well as change its use so it can be used as a private hire venue for celebrations and business meetings.

The proposals could see a reversal of internal changes made by the previous owner of the property with hopes that the plans would include the original features of the listed building.

The application states: "The ground floor will feature a spacious reception, alongside a bar and lounge space for guests. 

"The main hall will serve as the primary event area, adaptable for weddings, parties, and conferences. 

"Additional rooms will be available for smaller meetings or VIP sections, and a dedicated catering area will be incorporated to support event services." 

The application also states that future plans could see a library-themed cafe on the lower ground floor of the building, which is accessed by a separate entrance. 

The application adds: "This proposal includes internal alterations to create an open and functional layout, with the removal of some stud partition walls introduced by the previous owner/s. 

"A previous owner/s built a stud wall across the main hall balcony – concealing natural light and creating a smaller room, the proposal seeks to remove this partition allowing the hall to return to its original state. 

"The bar area also had been subject to the latter; thus, the proposal will allow the stud wall to be partially removed allowing the building to go back to its original design."

No external changes will be made to the characteristics of the building but "two external fans are proposed to be added for ventilation on the rear external wall, ensuring the building retains its historic charm whilst also being able to properly ventilate". 

There will also be changes to improve the state of the property including replacing broken paving slabs, windows and repainting the fence.

The application is subject to approval by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and can be viewed here.

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