Emergency works at Burslem's Wedgwood Institute completed

Burslem's Wedgwood Institute has been made watertight and structurally safe as part of a project to preserve Stoke-on-Trent’s historic buildings.

The recent phase of emergency works at the Grade II* listed building was completed by M2 Construction Limited, focusing on the north-east corner to prevent further deterioration.

Despite years of neglect, the building located on Queen Street in Burslem will now be ready for a multi-million-pound restoration project that aims to bring it back into use.

Originally built in the 1860s in memory of potter and philanthropist Josiah Wedgwood, the institute was intended to offer courses in science, business, and the arts.

While this marks progress for the Wedgwood Institute, plans for another historic site, the Burslem Indoor Market, have faced setbacks.

The market building, which has been out of use for more than 20 years, requires extensive repair work.

Historic England withdrew a £1 million grant intended for its renovations due to concerns over upfront costs and potential delays.

A spokesperson for Historic England stated that the conditions for releasing funding were not met but offered a development grant of up to £200,000 for planning and feasibility work.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council remains committed to finding funding solutions, with proposals to allocate £3.36 million for repairs to the market building alongside £2.6 million for the Wedgwood Institute.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker expressed disappointment about the grant withdrawal but emphasized the importance of safeguarding the town's heritage.

“Safeguarding these buildings is about protecting the town's heritage and keeping future regeneration options open. Walking away would be irresponsible," he said.

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