Stoke-on-Trent declares UK's first ever heritage emergency

Stoke-on-Trent has declared a heritage emergency, becoming the first city in the UK to do so and underlining the urgent need for £325 million of public and private investment over the next decade.

The initiative aims to rescue significant historic sites under threat across the six towns that make up the city.

The call comes alongside the unveiling of a detailed prospectus, The Potteries: A National Heritage Emergency, which highlights the scale of the crisis.

The city, renowned for its global ceramics industry, is home to over 275 listed buildings, 22 conservation areas, five scheduled monuments, and five registered historic parks. Among these, 16 sites are currently classified as ‘at risk’ by Historic England, with many others in severe decline.

Key heritage sites facing challenges

Stoke-on-Trent boasts an abundance of nationally and locally significant historic sites, such as the Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, a former coal mine with immense historical importance. According to the prospectus, it requires approximately £150 million in investment to prevent its irreversible decay. Other notable sites include the Burslem Indoor Market, which has recently received funding to ensure its preservation, and the Wedgwood Institute, known for its stunning architecture and cultural value.

The Falcon Works and the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem are also areas of focus, with plans being explored to repurpose the theatre into a music and arts venue celebrating the life of Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Meanwhile, under new ownership, Hanley Town Hall is undergoing transformation into an aparthotel, café, and co-working space, exemplifying the potential for heritage-led regeneration.

Collaborative approaches to preserve Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage

The city council aims to work closely with partners, including Historic England, Homes England, Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Re-Form Heritage, to secure funding and revive these heritage assets. Alongside direct investments—such as the council’s £6.5 million commitment to safeguard sites like Spode Works—long-term solutions will focus on creating new uses for historic buildings that integrate them into the city’s economic and social framework.

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. Without urgent action our nationally and internationally significant sites could be lost forever."

She continued, “Revitalising our historic buildings could be a major economic driver, creating new venues for work and leisure, building more homes, and boosting tourism in the wake of a hugely successful Centenary year.”

Investing in the future

While ambitious heritage conservation plans have already been implemented for sites such as Middleport Pottery, Fenton Town Hall, and the historic Vaults at the Goods Yard, the prospectus makes it clear that a much larger effort is required to tackle the challenges that remain.

The large-scale regeneration work aims to breathe new life into Stoke-on-Trent’s historic fabric to boost the economy and propel the city towards securing UNESCO Creative City status. However, city leaders acknowledge that some heritage assets could be lost if significant and immediate investment is not secured.

The prospectus outlines a vision for cultural tourism to transform Stoke-on-Trent into a destination of international appeal, showcasing its past while driving future growth. Councillor Ashworth stated that this opportunity must also bring “rapid opportunities for local people” through specialist restoration and construction jobs.

While the challenges are considerable, the council remains optimistic that with national collaboration and funding from both public and private sectors, the heritage crisis in Stoke-on-Trent could be reversed, preserving its status as the birthplace of a globally influential industry.

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