Having successfully lobbied the government, alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s successful bid to the Levelling Up Fund, Jonathan has secured £56 million from the fund for Stoke-on-Trent.
£3.5 million+ will breathe new life into Tunstall Library and Baths.
The funding will rejuvenate the old library and swimming baths back into a mixed-use facility, including flats, a multi-purpose exhibition space and a café for locals to enjoy.
Shoddy decision-making by previous Labour administrations - like damaging trade on Tunstall High Steet by building a retail park next to it – are a thing of the past, with this project providing a much-needed boost for Tunstall.
Thrilled with the government’s investment, Jonathan said:
“This money will enable us to refurbish, repurpose and reuse Tunstall library and baths for a better future, while ensuring its beautiful heritage is preserved.
It also unlocks several exciting private investment opportunities and I look forward to working with developers.”
In January 2023, Stoke-on-Trent City Council announced they had appointed a developer to begin breathing new life back into this iconic building as part of an £8 million refurbishment.
A sensitive £8 million conversion into residential accommodation will ensure that this fantastic example of Tunstall’s heritage is maintained, bringing people into our town centre to support businesses and investment moving forwards.
While more detailed plans are still to follow, the developers aim to complete a refurbishment of this Victorian building, as well as construct a new build.
It is expected that over 120 local tradespeople and 20 local professional services will be used by the developer, creating apprenticeship opportunities as well as training for young local people.
A consultation is set to take place with the local Tunstall community before the application is submitted later on in the year, to allow you to share your views about the plans and development.
The money for Tunstall sits alongside funding for two of the city's big projects - the Good's Yard (Swift House) site next to Stoke Station and the Etruscan Square development in Hanley, work on both of which is underway.
The Good's Yard site, which has made significant progress, will consist of living accommodation (174, 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments), a cafe bar at the old signal box, 5,000 square foot of work/leisure space, a jetty, public square with seating, gardens and pop-up events, as well as a hotel.
The Etruscan Square site set to feature a large capacity arena, as well as accommodation.
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VIDEO - Jonathan talks about Levelling Up Fund bid.
VIDEO - Jonathan raises Levelling Up Fund bid at Prime Minister's Questions.