Work has begun on revitalising 24 monuments and landmarks across Stoke-on-Trent through the Centenary Restoration Fund, backed by a £240,252 grant from National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The restoration programme, led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Re-Form Heritage, will protect war memorials, tombs, fountains and sculptures across all six towns and beyond.
First eight sites start this week
Conservation work began the week of Monday 10 August and will continue until the end of October on the first eight monuments. Work will vary by site and includes cleaning, vegetation and graffiti removal, repointing, repairs to stonework and paving, redecoration of metalwork and replacement of damaged components.
How sites were chosen
Landmarks were prioritised based on their condition, input from local communities, accessibility and potential for local engagement programmes.
Community involvement planned
Alongside conservation work, Re-Form Heritage will work with communities, volunteers and young people to uncover, share and celebrate the stories behind the landmarks.
Delivery schedule
The programme will be delivered in four stages: three phases of repairs and a further phase of specialist conservation works. Preparations for phases two and three are already underway.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the public support for the scheme shows how much these landmarks matter to residents. "They celebrate famous figures from our past, remember our war heroes and commemorate the industries that helped build our city," she said.
