As Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year draws to a close, a series of legacy projects and partnerships that will carry momentum from the celebrations into 2026 and beyond have been confirmed.
While 2025 marked 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status, the Centenary programme was designed to support long-term regeneration, cultural participation and civic pride, rather than stand alone as a one-year anniversary.
As the celebrations conclude, several Centenary legacy projects are now moving into delivery.
These include the installation of way markers along the Living Heritage City Trail, creating a permanent route that helps residents and visitors explore the city’s heritage.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed this year with IFK Legacy CIC will support early work to explore long-term options for the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem.
Public art will continue to develop, with the Art on Your Doorstep exhibition refreshed with new work by a local artist.
Major regeneration projects, including Spode Works and Etruscan Square, will continue as part of wider investment plans, alongside work to build on Centenary momentum to make the city’s streets among the most family friendly in the country.
The city will also build on the legacy of its Centenary Poet Laureate during the National Year of Reading, with new activity planned across libraries and schools.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The Centenary was always about what comes next as much as it was about looking back. The year helped build confidence and momentum, and we are now focused on turning that into delivery.
“Through regeneration projects, cultural investment, work in our libraries and schools during the National Year of Reading, the Future 100 Prospectus and more, we are using the legacy of the Centenary to support long-term growth, opportunity and pride in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Centenary Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This year showed what happens when people take something and make it their own. From big events to small local moments, people across the city stepped forward.
“The celebrations may be ending, but the pride people showed is still there and that’s what these next projects will build on.”
As the formal Centenary programme concludes, its legacy projects will continue as part of the city’s wider plans for regeneration, culture and community development.
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