More than 600 votes have been received for heritage sites across Stoke-on-Trent, as residents and community groups step forward to support a new restoration fund building on the successes of the city’s Centenary.
The responses were submitted through more than 200 separate entries, featuring both pre-listed sites and new nominations put forward by members of the public. Together, they reflect a powerful show of support for protecting the smaller but significant monuments that shape the character of neighbourhoods across the city.
Submissions ranged widely, from:
- Statues and memorials
- Tombs and fountains
- Murals and historic railings
- Gates and other distinctive historic features
The fund is backed by a £240,252 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and is being delivered in partnership with Re-Form Heritage.
“We’re grateful for the level of engagement from people across all parts of the city. We now have a real opportunity to turn that public support into visible action.
“We’re working with Re-form Heritage to carefully assess the nominations against clear criteria to identify projects we can deliver within the funding available. The aim is simple, visible improvements that protect and celebrate the features that make each of our towns distinctive.”
— Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council
All submissions are currently being reviewed against criteria including historic significance, condition, deliverability, value for money, accessibility, visibility and long-term community benefit.
The project team has also been analysing responses to ensure that both votes for pre-listed sites and new nominations are properly reflected in the final list of projects selected for repair.
“We’ve been amazed by the incredible range of responses. It’s clear that the people of Stoke-on-Trent care deeply about the monuments that shape their neighbourhoods, and we’re committed to ensuring that both votes and nominations are reflected the final selection of sites to be repaired.
“This selection will underpin an activity programme that invites communities to help care for the heritage landmarks in their neighbourhoods and to share the stories and personal connections that make these monuments so meaningful.”
— Inês Jorge, Centenary Restoration Fund Officer at Re-Form Heritage
A shortlist of proposed restoration projects will be announced in the coming weeks.
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