New hope for tired town
PLANS are being drawn up to create a unique new identity for a town as part of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme.
The masterplan for Stoke is likely to include proposals for hundreds of new homes along the banks of the River Trent, a mixed residential and shopping centre for the sprawling Spode pottery works site, and even a new town park.
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Stoke-on-Trent City Council last month appointed Kevin Bell as town regeneration manager for Stoke.
And one of Mr Bell's first tasks will be to oversee the creation of a regeneration masterplan for the town.
The blueprint, which will dictate future planning policy for the area and help to attract tens of millions of pounds in government and private funding, is expected to be completed by November.
Between now and then, Mr Bell, pictured, and his team will be carrying out a detailed consultation programme with residents, businesses and voluntary groups to determine what they want the Stoke of tomorrow is to offer.
But Mr Bell stressed that the aim of the changes will be to enhance the existing character and history of Stoke, rather than transform it into somewhere completely new.
He said: "We need to give Stoke a more distinctive retail offer that makes the most of its specialist shops, bars and cafés, so that it not only draws people in for the shopping, but encourages them to stay for the nightlife as well.
"The Spode site is also a terrific opportunity, which will be suitable for most uses, and we have got to get that absolutely right and make sure it connects properly with the rest of the town centre.
"I think Stoke has already got an identity, but we can sell it a lot better."
He added: "I am genuinely optimistic that we can make a success of Stoke, otherwise I wouldn't have taken the job.
"But we need to get the masterplan right, because if it's good enough it will ensure that we can apply for funding with some credibility and have a reasonable chance of success, and that's what will make Stoke happen."
Jean Sutton, owner of Tropic Tanning Centre, which has been based in Church Street for six years, said: "The whole town centre needs a total revamp."
Stoke and Trent Vale ward member councillor Paul Billington said he fully supports the new push to revitalise the town.
He said: "The town was much more vibrant in the past than it is today, with a lot more workers and more varied trades and crafts on offer.
"Years from now I would like to see Stoke working completely differently, with physical links to the train station, integration with the Spode site and re-routing of the traffic flow.
"I want Stoke to regain its rightful place in the city's hierarchy instead of being the poor relation."
Related links:
Spode collapse into administration ends 250 years of history (pictures)
18 Comments
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by David, Fenton
Wednesday, April 22 2009, 10:48AM
“We can all hope Amron, but whether it comes to fruitation is entirely down to our council and fearing todays news is the start of the mass exodus from Stoke by our council to pastures green in Hanley?
Apark4Stoke
@LUZ”
by amron, stoke
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 11:24PM
“I live in stoke and when I need to give directions to friends/family from outside the area I say.
turn right by the salvation army hostel (recognised by a crowd of booze swigging residents occupying a patch of wasteland and then turn right when you see a burnt out building next to the chinese takeaway.then on your right there is a half demolished building(Lomax club/dannilo)
opposite you will pass a brothel then a church............these blitzed sites are long standing landmarks but sadly I fear most of my visitors turn back in horror and wonder how I cope living in such a dump.
However, there are some lovely people living in stoke town and I do hope they won't be disappointed when the council eventually get around to improving the area.”
by keith, France.
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 8:50PM
“Stoke is never going to compete with Hanley so why not try just building more affordable homes and give Stoke a good facelift with a new park and gardens.
When i was a bus driver in the sixties Stoke was a busy thriving town but after living in Australia for 24 years and going back to visit i was shocked to see what it had become, such a shame for a proud historical town to be let go like it has been, and its only the council that can change it, after all its them that let it get into the state it is now.”
by alan halfpenny, Clermont Ferrand
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 2:52PM
“How many time have I read this article in the Sentinel over the past 10 years,please actually do something!”
by David, Fenton
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 2:30PM
“David Stoke, No wonder the towns in such a state when its residents cant even stand up for their own community and what is right for our future generations. Dont you think that they are the ones that need our support?
And Apark4Stoke is a start?”
by Bobby Gillespie, Stoke
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 2:11PM
“Why don't we all move to Trentham.... They'd love us up there.... TRENTHAM HIGH FOR SALE!”
by Working, Stoke
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 2:04PM
“Maybe they could turn it into a landfill site. I'm sure planning permission would be granted because the visual impact would be minimal due to it already looking like one.”
by David, Stoke
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 1:19PM
“David, I thought the plans were for it to be a campsite for the next 12 years?”
by Julie, Trentham
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 1:11PM
“Stephen, Fenton and Janice, Werrington - couldn't agree more. Not just Stoke, but Hanley and the surrounding area resemble what I imagine Beirut to look like (it may be better there). Dreadful, dreadful impression it all gives, goodness knows what visitors must think (and I can't imagine they hang around long or recommend it to others).”
by David, Fenton
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 11:53AM
“N, they already have a plan to take everyone away from Stoke and its the £65m bus route.
But restoring the towns identity will bring them back?
Apark4Stoke
@LUZ”