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Shadow trustees encouraged to come forward to support launch of Stoke-on-Trent Heritage Trust

Supporters who are passionate about preserving the city’s most historically important buildings are being urged to come forward to support the launch of a Stoke-on-Trent Heritage Trust.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council wants to set-up a Trust as part of ongoing efforts to help protect and repurpose the city’s heritage assets, and on the back of the launch of the Heritage Congress in 2022.

Now, subject to cabinet approval on Tuesday 28 February, the city council is set to start a recruitment campaign for shadow trustees to help formally establish a Stoke-on-Trent Heritage Trust.

The aim of the Trust is to facilitate and identify potential funding options to support the long-term security and sustainability of the city’s heritage buildings.

Councillor James Smith, cabinet member for infrastructure, heritage and development management, said: “Stoke-on-Trent has a unique, rich and vibrant cultural identity and heritage which sets the city apart from other places.

“Our city is home to almost 1,000 buildings and sites of special local interest and architectural significance as well as historical collections, green spaces and features such as waterways and routeways. Stoke-on-Trent was also the first UK city to secure two Heritage Action Zones.

“Through the establishment of the Stoke-on-Trent Heritage Trust, we will be able to work with partner agencies to advise, nurture and shape the future legacies of these historic buildings and build on our commitment to heritage investment and preservation.”

In recent years, the city council has spearheaded the transformation of a number of heritage sites with support from £56 million secured through the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

More recently, the city council launched a brand-new prospectus outlining proposals for Stoke-on-Trent’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The city council has been awarded almost £9.5 million from the government’s UKSPF.

Around £3 million has been ringfenced for a number of priority projects which, as well as helping to deliver the city’s culture and heritage ambitions, will support local businesses, improve local spaces and assist residents with employment and skills.

Proposed priority projects include the establishment of a Heritage Conservation Enforcement and Support Service which will support the work of the Stoke-on-Trent Heritage Trust and work with heritage property owners to maintain and protect the city’s heritage assets.

The remaining £6 million will be allocated to organisations and businesses through an application process.

To make an application, of for more information about Stoke-on-Trent’s UKSPF programme, visit www.stoke.gov.uk/UKSPF.

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