Grants help revamp town centre's historic buildings

Victoria Buildings, built in 1897, is one of those that has undergone repairs

Heritage buildings are being restored as part of efforts to boost Longton town centre, the council says.

Three retail buildings, between Times Square and Gladstone Pottery Museum, have undergone major repairs.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said its grant scheme for the owners of historic buildings had covered up to 80% of the costs in each case.

The council’s grant scheme for such repairs was launched in 2021, with £318,000 of funding from Historic England and £300,000 from the local authority.

Moorland House, a 19th Century building on Commerce Street, is undergoing a revamp that includes repairs to its roof, brickwork, windows, and shop front.

The work is due to be completed in May, the council said.

Victoria Buildings, which is on Market Street and dates back to 1897, underwent similar work that was finished in February.

A third building on Uttoxeter Road was refurbished last month.