{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreihj2hhajsn6hatc6tm3bvyq2df5oouxxcsrjwhj3lixbyoayrfy44",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:f7vqzwvtxum6gmwxdthna54m/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkv734dpozr2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreih2ucty7mqxjgw3alqilgv55qsfl6ikefz3lfxvlzddy5a4uzdmd4"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 379782
  },
  "description": "Restoration work is underway at Grade II listed Burslem Market Hall as a £4 million project begins to secure and repair one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most recognisable heritage buildings.",
  "path": "/restoration-work-underway-at-historic-burslem-market-hall-as-4-million-project-begins/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-02T17:45:05.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Burslem Market Restoration",
    "TheRedHairedStokie",
    "Click here to see the rest of the photos"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n  Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie\n\nWork is now underway to restore one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most recognisable heritage buildings, as Burslem Market Hall enters the next phase of its long-awaited transformation.\n\nScaffolding now surrounds the Grade II listed structure on Queen Street, with contractors beginning the complex task of repairing and securing the building, which has stood largely unused for more than two decades.\n\nBuilt in 1879, Burslem Market Hall was once at the heart of daily life in the Mother Town, serving as a bustling indoor marketplace for generations. However, the building closed in 2003 after falling masonry made it unsafe, and it has remained empty ever since.\n\n\n\n  Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie\n\n## A major restoration effort\n\nThe current project, valued at around £4 million, is focused on stabilising and repairing the structure, with a particular emphasis on the roof, which has deteriorated significantly over time.\n\nWork includes stripping back unsafe materials, repairing and replacing sections of the roof, and addressing long-standing issues with the building’s brickwork, guttering and external features. Wherever possible, original materials are being retained in order to preserve the character and historic fabric of the building.\n\nThe work is being carried out by Stoke-on-Trent-based contractors, with funding coming from a combination of the city council, central government and heritage bodies.\n\nThe aim of this phase is to make the building watertight and structurally secure, allowing it to be brought back into use in the short to medium term.\n\nSupport independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. \n\n  Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie\n\n## Plans for future use\n\nOnce the building has been stabilised, the council intends to reopen the space for temporary uses, including events, leisure activities and hospitality.\n\nIn the longer term, plans are being developed to return the market hall to permanent use, with a focus on creating a sustainable and active space that can once again serve the community.\n\nSpecialist regeneration company Next Phase Projects has been brought in to help shape these plans, drawing on experience from similar market hall transformations in towns and cities across the UK.\n\n\n\n  Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie\n\n## A wider heritage challenge\n\nThe restoration of Burslem Market Hall sits within a much broader effort to address the condition of historic buildings across Stoke-on-Trent.\n\nEarlier this year, the city declared a “heritage emergency”, estimating that around £325 million is needed to protect and restore its most significant historic assets.\n\nBurslem, in particular, has a high concentration of listed buildings, many of which have faced years of underinvestment and decline. The market hall, along with nearby landmarks such as the Wedgwood Institute and Burslem School of Art, has become a symbol of both the town’s rich history and the challenges it faces.\n\nThere have also been setbacks. Historic England previously withdrew £1 million of funding from the project due to rising costs and delays, instead offering a smaller development grant to support planning work.\n\nDespite this, work has now begun on site, marking a significant step forward after years of uncertainty.\n\n\n\n  Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie\n\n## A building with deep local significance\n\nFor many residents, Burslem Market Hall is more than just a historic structure. It is a place tied to memories of shopping, socialising and everyday life in the town centre.\n\nIts closure in 2003 left a visible and symbolic gap in Burslem’s high street, contributing to a wider sense of decline.\n\nThe current restoration offers an opportunity not only to preserve the building itself, but also to re-establish it as a focal point for the community.\n\n\n\n  Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie\n\n## Looking ahead\n\nThe project is expected to be completed by May 2027, although the reopening of the building in some form could happen sooner once it is made safe and watertight.\n\nWhile challenges remain, the start of physical work on the building represents a turning point for Burslem Market Hall.\n\nAfter more than 20 years of uncertainty, one of the town’s most important historic spaces is finally being brought back into use.\n\nClick here to see the rest of the photos\n\n####  Enjoyed this story?\n\nThe Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.\n\nEvery contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.\n\nExplore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent.",
  "title": "Restoration work underway at historic Burslem Market Hall as £4 million project begins",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-02T17:47:59.077Z"
}