Big news incoming, Knotters! After receiving cash from the government’s £6 million Local News Fund via our fabulous new owners The Lead (read the full story here), we’re in a position to do a few more things with our platform, with a print edition coming later this month and our first-ever live event, a community get-together where we’re inviting our lovely readers, to join us to discuss Hanley’s regeneration plans.
Register for your ticket here – it’s free to join!
A trio of terrific guests who have plenty to say on this subject will be joining us to discuss the future of our city centre in what looks set to be a lively discussion moderated by The Knot’s founder, James Routledge.
Whether you have strong opinions on Hanley’s future or are just keen to know more about what’s going on, join The Knot at Smithfield Works on Thursday 3 December from 6pm to discuss the future of our city centre.
Restoring pride in our city
Joining us for a panel discussion will be Heronçeau Properties’ Simon Edwards, new owners of Hanley Town Hall, which plans to develop the building into a mixed-use space featuring a hotel, F&B options, and start-up spaces.
Edwards said he was ‘delighted’ to be part of our conversation about the future of Hanley and the wider regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. “For me, regeneration isn’t just about restoring buildings. It’s about restoring pride, creating opportunities and giving people a reason to believe in their city again.”
“Through our work at Hanley Town Hall and Phoenix Works in Longton, we’re investing in buildings that have been part of our city’s history, with a vision to give them a new purpose and a sustainable future,” he added.
Edwards genuinely believes Stoke-on-Trent has enormous potential. “We have incredible heritage, passionate communities and talented people. What we need now is the ambition, investment and determination to turn that potential into reality.
Regeneration can’t just be something we talk about. It has to be something we actually do. I’m looking forward to being part of that conversation and, more importantly, helping to deliver the change.”
“Regeneration isn’t just about restoring buildings. It’s about restoring pride, creating opportunities and giving people a reason to believe in their city again.”
– Simon Edwards, CEO, Heronçeau Properties
Shaping the future of Hanley
Owners of CIC Yellow By Keep it Local, Andy and Laura Nixon, whose store in the Potteries Centre showcases pieces from more than 100 local creative brands (we’ve got our eye on this black Ay Up Duck hoodie from angie.babe13) will also be on the panel. In addition to the shop in the Potteries Centre, they own two Keep it Local stores in Warrington and Tunbridge Wells and The World of Glass in St Helens.
Winners of the Specialist Store of the Year and Team of the Year at the Potteries Centre last year, they were also finalists at The Revo’s 2024 Awards in the Independent Operator of the Year category.
They told The Knot, “We have always been champions of our city centre, and while we are not blind to the challenges, we truly believe that through collaboration and by focusing on the positives together, we can change the future of Hanley.”
Longton Exchange’s centre manager Chris Ward, who has helped turn Longton’s fortunes around, will also be on the panel.
We’re sure that Hanley can learn a lot from this ace little retail/community hub that continues to expand, with discount department store Boyes, health and beauty parlour Beauty Zone, and barbers Kadycutz among the latest additions.
Free to attend, the event is also an opportunity to meet The Knot’s other readers and me, the editor, Helen. Oh yeah, and refreshments will be provided… cheers!
Sign up for tickets here – we can’t wait to meet you!
To celebrate the funding, the live event, and the print edition, we are offering our biggest ever saving with 50% off annual subscriptions to The Knot. You’ll have to act quick to take advantage, with the Black Friday offer only available until the end of November.