A positive step for the future of Tunstall has been achieved with an agreement to deliver the Grade ll Listed former Tunstall Library and Baths project.
The agreement between Tunstall Library Development Ltd and Stoke-on-Trent City Council enables the developer to work up more detailed designs for homes and community use in the heart of the town.
To mark the partnership, a banner has been mounted on the building. This will help build excitement locally for a well-loved building, the focus of many family histories and memories.
The grant agreement includes £3.35 million from the government’s Levelling Up fund, awarded to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. This has made the project viable for development and to ensure that the stunning historic character of the building can be retained and enhanced for future enjoyment. The contract specifies local employment to be delivered. The design and development will use the services of over 120 local tradespeople and 20 local professional services companies.
Plans for the former library, baths and snooker hall include 34 apartments for rent with a range of one, two and three bedrooms as well as community space. This will make the most of the historic building, offering unique spaces, as well as smart new build.
This is a significant step for the building as well as the wider regeneration of Tunstall. Giving a new lease of life to the town’s unique heritage will create a distinctive place where people want to live and work as well as attract interest from other developers and investors. Conversion for residential and community use will bring people into the town centre and help revitalise the town and support businesses.
The development follows the successful multi-million pound, council-funded restoration of Tunstall Town Hall which opened last year. The building includes an indoor market with conversion for new uses including services for children and families and partner agencies including the NHS and police. The former upstairs ballroom is a fantastic example of restoring and repurposing historic spaces and is now home to the town’s library and is a welcoming space for residents to access a wide range of services.
Councillor Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I am delighted to formalise the agreement with Tunstall Library Development Ltd, a local company with great credentials.
“Tunstall town is full of historic gems which make the place distinctive and offer such potential. Our strategy for heritage-led regeneration, bringing life back to these beautiful buildings, is really positive for the town and a more prosperous future. Tunstall Town Hall is a great example of what can be achieved.
“This project will be next to showcase the difference that can be made to a place – from the jobs and skills it creates to quality homes that will drive new footfall as the lifeblood for a more vibrant town centre as well as the catalytic impact this can have in the area.”
Carl Croft, director of Croft Architecture Ltd. said: “We’re very pleased to be working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and this agreement enables preservation of a key building to take place in our city.
“Building on the great work undertaken to date, we are excited to play a key part in the regeneration of our city, and bring local benefits to Tunstall adding to a vibrancy of place that people can enjoy long into the future.
“Planning work is well under way to bring forth the proposals and set in motion the full development of the site for a fantastic new residential development.”
Work will now progress quickly on the detailed designs for the homes and community spaces with a planning application made later in the year.
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