Residents to have their say on the redevelopment of a historic building in Tunstall

SOTCC Crest
SOTCC Crest
Published: Friday, 23rd August 2024

A public consultation is set to get underway on the redevelopment of the historic Tunstall Library building.

In the first phase of plans to bring the former Library, Baths and Snooker Hall back to life, 23 unique apartments in the Victorian building and community space is proposed. This will provide attractive town centre living for those wanting something a bit different and to be part of local history. The sensitive conversion into residential will help protect the unique heritage of Tunstall as well as will bring people into the town centre to support businesses and future investment.

The local community is being invited to learn more about these plans at two open consultation events on Tuesday 3 September, 12pm-4pm, and Wednesday 4 September, 4pm-8pm at Tunstall Town Hall.

People can also visit www.tunstall-library.co.uk to learn more and submit feedback. The web link will be available for seven days after the event and will close on 11 September 2024.

Tunstall Library Development Ltd. headed up by local business man Stanley Yu and Staffordshire based Croft Architecture Ltd have been appointed to bring these plans to life. With Stoke-on-Trent City Council Cabinet recently reapproving the sale agreement for the site and the funding agreement.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker cabinet member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration said: “This is an exciting time for Stoke-on-Trent. We have a number of major projects in progress or preparing to start. The redevelopment of this historic building and local landmark for town centre living will be a gamechanger for Tunstall. Please come along to the consultation events to learn more about our plans and the future of Tunstall.”

Tunstall Library Development Ltd said “We are eager to engage with the local community and hear their thoughts on our exciting development plans. The Victorian Jubilee building is steeped in history having first opened its doors in 1890 and we very much look forward to returning the building to its former glory as a significant part of Tunstall’s community and heritage “

The project is able to go ahead with £3.5m investment from the government. This was awarded to the council in 2021 to enable heritage-led regeneration across Stoke-on-Trent, helping to bring beautiful but disused buildings back into productive use and create new homes. This will help revitalise our towns and attract further investment.

Once consultation with the community is completed, the final redevelopment plan will be submitted for planning approval later this year.

The library building will be the first part of a phased approach to the development of the full site. This is due to the heritage value of the buildings and the associated costs to ensure the sensitive restoration of all of the site.