Burslem regeneration plan set for £1million boost
Historic buildings in Burslem are set to get a new lease of life thanks to a £1million grant.
The money will help bring some of the one in five vacant properties in the town’s conservation area back into use.
Burslem is only the second UK location to receive three successive rounds of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) cash, taking the total generated for the area’s redevelopment to more than £4million.
Councillor Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, said: “HLF have told us that the £1m funding is in place, provided our final detailed proposals fully meet the programme criteria. They have also congratulated us on the quality of our application and work to date.
“This is a massive boost for Burslem and builds on tremendously positive work over the last five years to rejuvenate the Mother Town’s historic buildings and preserve the heritage,” said Cllr Ruth Rosenau, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for regeneration.
The new funding would concentrate on Burslem’s Historic Quadrant, which currently has 14 semi-derelict buildings.
It is hoped the money will help attract new businesses into renovated properties, increase footfall in the town and stimulate development of brownfield land on the edge of the town centre.
Since 2007, the HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative has supported projects to restore streets and buildings within Burslem’s conservation area – including Swan Bank Methodist Mission, Burslem School of Art’s Orangery and the Swan Hotel. The second round of funding led to the renovation of 36 properties in the town centre
Councillor Rosenau added: “The programme is having a significant impact on the historic and economic environment of Burslem town centre.
“It has helped kick-start the town’s regeneration by bringing derelict buildings back into use, creating a real vibrancy in the town.
“The improvement in appearance of buildings and streets has attracted investment, new jobs and restored historic floor space. But there is further work to do, and the new funding will address this, to ensure the town’s historic buildings are preserved for years to come.”
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