A million pounds of government funding for an historic Stoke-on-Trent market building has been withdrawn.

Historic England awarded Stoke-on-Trent City Council £1 million for emergency repairs at Burslem Indoor Market last summer.

But Historic England has now withdrawn the funding due to the large upfront costs of materials being 'non grant compliant', and concerns that the project would not start on time.

Cabinet members at the city council are now set to approve £3.36 million of funding for the works at Burslem Indoor Market, along with £2.6 million for the Wedgwood Institute.

The Grade II listed Burslem Indoor Market has been out of use for more than 20 years and requires repairs to its roof, brickwork and drainage to make the building watertight.

According to a council report, it is still 'crucial' that this work is carried out, despite the Historic England funding being cancelled.

As the building owner, the council will need to 'make up the shortfall if that proves necessary', although 'every effort will be made to secure external contributions'.

The market has previously been allocated £700,000 of Levelling Up Partnership funding.

The proposed spending on the market includes £500,000 to make it suitable for temporary events such as pop-up markets, while a permanent redevelopment scheme is brought forward.

Councllor Finlay Gordon-McCusker said 'the safeguarding works at Burslem Indoor Market and the Wedgwood Institute remain essential' (image via Pete Stonier)

Councllor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, says it was 'disappointing' to lose the Historic England funding, but insists that carrying out the repair works has to be the priority.

He said: "The safeguarding works at Burslem Indoor Market and the Wedgwood Institute remain essential. These are listed buildings in fragile condition, and doing nothing would simply store up far greater cost and risk for the future. That is why the council is right to proceed with safeguarding regardless.

"On funding, I am confident there are alternative routes. We are actively exploring other external funding streams, as well as looking at how this work can be phased and aligned with wider regeneration activity in Burslem.

"Historic England's decision does not undermine the strategic case for investment, and it does not mark the end of external funding efforts.

"The key point is this: safeguarding these buildings is about protecting the town's heritage and keeping future regeneration options open. Walking away would be irresponsible."

Historic England has offered a £200,000 'development grant' to cover preliminary work for Burslem Indoor Market, which could reduce the council's contribution to the project.

A Historic England spokesperson said: "We have been working closely with partners to explore options for supporting the Burslem Market scheme as part of the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund programme.

"The project was originally designed to be delivered within a one-year timescale, and after careful consideration we took the difficult decision to review the original grant offer, as the necessary conditions for releasing funding have not been met.

"We have instead offered a development grant of up to £200,000 to help support the next stage of planning and feasibility work at Burslem Market, which is being finalised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

"This will support the conservation of the building in the future and prevent further deterioration.

"Over the past decade, Historic England has invested just over £7million in Stoke-on-Trent to help protect and revitalise its remarkable historic places, and our commitment to the city remains strong."

Safeguarding works are also needed at the Grade II* listed Wedgwood Institute, which has deteriorated after being out of use for more than a decade.

A controlled demolition was carried out at the north east corner of the building last year due to a second floor wall being at risk of immediate collapse.

The Wedgwood Institute has previously been awarded funding from the Levelling Up Partnership and Historic England, but a further £2.6 million is needed for the repair works and north east corner rebuild.

According to the report, the works will leave the building wind and water tight and safe to enter. The north east corner will be rebuilt as it was, with terracotta panels, ornamental cast iron and a proposed new window looking over Burslem town centre.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the spending on the heritage buildings at their meeting on Tuesday.