City as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts
DESPITE the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems there are exciting times ahead for our changing city centre following a number of pivotal announcements.
But as the poet of the Potteries, Arnold Bennett, reminds us: “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.”
Historically, there has been an inability to develop the Potteries as a thriving destination with a vibrant, competitive city centre, or as a contemporary industrial success story.
It is claimed the city’s unique geographical context, six towns structure and the persistence of town centres in need of a heritage makeover has resulted in an inevitable and enduring competition for resources.
Paradoxically for a city whose motto translates as ‘united strength is stronger’, it has been claimed that this contestation ‘reveals a political tendency to achieve the best for towns at the expense of the city as a whole’.
In setting out the obvious need for Stokeon-trent to both possess and promote a recognisable and dynamic city centre, I am not suggesting that the other distinct towns should be overlooked or neglected.
This is not about refuelling the parochial, six towns mentality debates of yesteryear but – with a nod to Aristotle – the whole of the city can be greater than the sum of its parts.
Living in Heron Cross, I have a close affection for the contiguous town of Fenton which has a wonderful heritage, an array of architectural assets, special charm and characteristics.
Investing in and empowering
community stakeholders to rediscover Fenton’s and likewise, each of the other towns’ purpose and especial identities with a renewed sense of localism, can help to unlock their future potential and simultaneously contribute to the city’s wider prosperity.
It’s now ten years since the publication of Matthew Rice’s book, The Lost City of Stoke-on-trent.
With reference to cities such as Gateshead and Gloucester, Bristol and Birmingham, his ‘fanfare for one of the great cities of the world’s first Industrial Revolution’ expertly described how ‘the equation of construction + clearance + jobs + influx of investment = economic regeneration seems to work.’
When the Smithfield city centre development was first mooted as a key ingredient of the city’s regeneration agenda, it was proposed that a new central business district would complement the physical, economic and symbolic scope for Hanley to be promoted as a sustainable, regionally significant business, retail and cultural centre.
The opening of the Hilton Garden Inn last week represents a transformational story of ambition turning into reality.
It has already brought a new sense of confidence and resurgence to an area which is ‘fast becoming a vibrant hub in an already bustling cultural quarter’, as one Sentinel reporter described Genr8’s multifunctional, mixed-use development of the former Smithfield pottery site.
Whilst the ongoing refurbishment of the acclaimed Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, which includes a glass-walled extension to house the iconic Spitfire, is due to be completed early next year.
And the announcement from new
owners that a rebranded Potteries Centre will be repositioned ‘not just for retail but as a cultural centre and community hub’ will re-energise and breathe new life into the city centre.
Pending a decision on whether to proceed with the ambitious, fundingdependent plans to transform the EastWest precinct, I was encouraged to hear that the vision is to connect this farreaching ‘City Centre Regeneration Area’ with the rest of the city, so the investment and ‘spillover’ benefits will be felt from Tunstall to Longton and everywhere in between.
However, I cannot overstate that the conditions for vibrancy and powering up the city as we embark on a post-pandemic journey of recovery will rely even more on a successful and reputable city centre. And on positive messaging.
Which is why the BID will work with local stakeholders, partners and communities to dispel or counter some of the myths, debates and exaggerated stories that persist and circulate through mainstream and social media channels.
Working together, we can deliver physical transformation, address social and environmental challenges, change perceptions and build local pride, whilst promoting and supporting a safe, welcoming and engaging city centre destination for the whole of Stoke-onTrent.