HERITAGE SITES’ £2M NEW LOOK WINNING PRAISE

Leaders hail scheme to revamp properties

HERITAGE projects in Stoke are benefiting from more than £2 million of funding.

Various historic buildings and locations in the town are being revamped thanks to the Stoke High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), which is set to run until March 2024.

Funding is coming from Stoke-ontrent City Council, Historic England and the private sector. Renovation of the Crafty Lion pub in Church Street, which the HSHAZ awarded £300,000, is among projects nearing completion.

The funding has helped pay for repairs to the exterior of the building and conversion of the upper floors and rear into accommodation.

The external work includes the reinstatement of a traditional frontage, masonry repairs and cleaning, signs, roof repairs, windows, and repairs to the historic lions’ heads.

Nirad Solanki, of owner Solanki Holdings, said: “Without this grant, the whole project would not have been viable. It’s been so important to us to be part of the whole regeneration scheme in the town centre and improve the high street.” Cabinet member Dan Jellyman said: “I’m delighted we’re now at the stage where work is complete on these historic buildings in Stoke. Following the conversion of the former Harry’s Bar to accommodation, these works have helped restore the shop front to its former glory and will help improve how the town looks and feels.

“The scheme aims to support property owners with internal and external repairs to their buildings, supporting both retail on the ground floor and converting upper floor space to residential accommodation.” He added: “Getting people back in our high streets again will help support other small businesses.”

A spokesperson for Historic England said: “Historic England is pleased to be working with the city council and local people to reenergise Stoke high street through the HSHAZ. The scheme is halfway through and a number of projects are well on their way to successful completion. We look forward to supporting the local authority as we enter the next exciting phase.”

The HSHAZ aims to support property owners with repairs improving the appearance of historic buildings in the town’s conservation area and helping bring vacant properties back into use. Property owners can receive grants worth up to 75 per cent of the cost of eligible work.

Owners interested in applying for grants should contact the HSHAZ Project Officer at Stokehshaz@stoke. gov.uk