Funding Secured for Burslem – But How Should It Be Spent?
Share Your Ideas on the Future of Queen Street & the Town Centre – Tell the Council What Burslem Needs!
Burslem has been allocated £1.25 million from the Levelling Up programme for improvements to its public realm, and now is the time for residents, business owners, and visitors to have their say. The Stoke-on-Trent City Council is holding consultation events to gather feedback on proposed changes, ensuring that the community's voice shapes the future of Burslem.
I went down to Burslem’s School of Art to take a look at the plans for the area.
The proposed improvements will focus on Queen Street and aim to:
Create a more attractive environment and encourage more footfall into Burslem town centre.
Support existing businesses, boost confidence, and attract further investment.
Improve civic pride and enhance the setting of listed buildings, such as the Wedgwood Institute and Burslem School of Art.
Enhance pedestrian routes from new housing developments to the south and east.
As part of the wider regeneration of the town, these public realm improvements will complement ongoing efforts to maintain and restore key heritage buildings like Burslem Market Hall and the Wedgwood Institute.
What’s Being Proposed?
The plans, still in their early stages, include:
Wider pavements and a narrower road to improve the pedestrian environment and create opportunities for street cafés and events.
Use of natural stone materials to enhance the character of the Conservation Area and complement listed buildings.
New tree planting to add greenery and seasonal interest to the streetscape.
Improved access for deliveries to businesses while ensuring a more aesthetically pleasing streetscape.
Why Should You Get Involved?
The public realm scheme is not final, and this is your chance to shape it. The council is eager to hear from everyone who lives, works, or visits Burslem. This is your opportunity to share what you love about the proposals, voice any concerns, and highlight what you believe the funding should prioritise.
Your feedback is essential. Whether you’re a business owner wanting to ensure deliveries remain accessible, a resident with ideas for improving the town centre, or simply someone who cares about Burslem’s future, this is your moment to influence the plans.
How to Have Your Say
Attend the Burslem consultation event at Burslem School of Art on Saturday, 22nd February, from 10am to 2pm. Speak directly with council representatives, ask questions, and provide feedback.
If you can’t attend in person, you can view the consultation documents and complete the questionnaire online at stoke.gov.uk/publicrealm. The deadline for responses is Sunday, 9th March 2025.
For further queries, you can email publicrealm@stoke.gov.uk.
The Bigger Picture
Burslem is one of three town centres in Stoke-on-Trent set to benefit from a combined £6 million investment in public realm improvements. Similar consultations are being held in Tunstall and Stoke, where the focus will be on revitalising Tower Square and South Wolfe Street, respectively. Work across all three town centres is set to begin later this year.
The consultation events for the public realm improvements in Tunstall and Stoke are scheduled as follows:
Tunstall:
Dates: Friday, 7th March, and Saturday, 8th March 2025
Venue: Tunstall Indoor Market
Stoke:
Dates: Friday, 7th March, and Saturday, 8th March 2025
Venue: Stoke Indoor Market
These events will run from 10am to 2pm on both days. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the proposed plans, speak directly with council representatives, and provide their feedback.
Make Your Voice Heard
This investment represents a significant opportunity for Burslem, but the success of the scheme depends on community input. If there are elements you’re excited about, areas where you have concerns or other priorities you believe should take precedence, now is the time to speak up.
Make sure you have your say and help shape the future of Burslem!