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£1m Repair Grant Pulled for Historic Market
8 Jan
Summary
- Historic England withdrew £1m in funding for Burslem Indoor Market repairs.
- Concerns over upfront material costs and project delays led to the funding withdrawal.
- The council plans to proceed with repairs using £3.36m of its own funds.
A £1m funding grant allocated for crucial repairs to the historic Burslem Indoor Market has been withdrawn by Historic England. The grant, which was awarded to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in August, was intended to address the deteriorating condition of the 19th Century, Grade II listed building. Concerns regarding significant upfront material expenses and potential delays in commencing the renovation project prompted Historic England to retract the offer.
Despite the loss of external funding, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has affirmed its commitment to undertaking the essential repairs. The council has proposed allocating £3.36m from its own resources to ensure the market building, which has been disused for over 20 years, is made watertight and structurally sound. Work required includes significant attention to the roof, brickwork, and drainage systems.
In addition to the market, the council is also considering £2.6m for repairs to the nearby Wedgwood Institute. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker expressed disappointment but indicated that the council is actively seeking alternative external funding streams. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding these heritage assets for future regeneration efforts, stating that walking away would be irresponsible. A decision on the funding for both sites is scheduled for a cabinet meeting.
