Historic Burslem Market Hall set for new future as transformation begins

A major new chapter is beginning for one of Burslem’s best-known heritage buildings, as transformation work gets underway at the historic Burslem Market Hall.

The Grade II-listed building on Queen Street, which dates back to 1879, is now the focus of an approximately £4 million programme of work aimed at bringing the much-loved site back into use.

Stoke-on-Trent-based contractor BSN Group has started work on the market hall, beginning with the removal of the current roof, which has been deemed unsafe, before replacing it. The project will also include new skylights, safety walkways, plaster and timber boards, along with the redecoration of the ceiling and steel columns.

Repairs and replacement work will also be carried out to brickwork, gutters, lead, tiles and chimneys. Inside the building, basic work will be done to make the floor safe, although it will not be replaced as part of this phase.

There are also plans to provide toilets, kitchen facilities, a temporary bar and cloakrooms for a temporary events space, as the budget allows. While not all of the shop stalls will be refurbished, those areas will be screened off with artwork.

The market hall closed in 2003 after masonry dropped from the ceiling and the building became unsafe. Now, more than two decades later, the work marks a significant step towards reopening the site and giving it a new role in the town.

The scheme is being funded through Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the government and Historic England, with work expected to be completed by May 2027.It is absolutely fantastic to see work get underway on this very popular building that has so many memories for so many people and has such potential.

"It demonstrates our determination to preserve, protect and safeguard our treasured heritage buildings and the work taking place at Burslem Market Hall and at nearby buildings, like the Wedgwood Institute, is a huge step forward."

"The aim is to start using the market hall as soon as possible after the work has been completed. In the short and mid-term that will be temporary uses - and we have already had a number of expressions of interest to use the venue for entertainment, leisure and hospitality.

"However, going forward we want to see it in permanent use, which is why we have brought in Next Phase Projects to help to make this happen. They have a real pedigree for coming up with exciting and transformative solutions – as can be seen in places like Altrincham."

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Wider work planned across Queen Street

The work at Burslem Market Hall is part of a wider programme of change taking place across Queen Street and nearby heritage buildings.

A £1.5 million package of public realm improvements is planned for Queen Street, with work expected to begin in May or June 2026 and last around eight to ten months. The scheme will include wider footways, a reduced carriageway width, tree planting, new site furniture, natural stone paving and kerbs, ducting, carriageway resurfacing, drainage, signage and line marking.

At the same time, future-proofing utility work will be carried out to connect gas, electric and water at Burslem Market and the Wedgwood Institute, helping to avoid digging up newly laid paving later on.

Wedgwood Institute and School of Art also moving forward

At the Wedgwood Institute, railings will be repaired and replaced at the end of April or the start of May in preparation for the next phase of works. Following safeguarding work on the north east corner in late 2025 and early 2026, the main phase is now at the design stage and in the listed building consent process, with works planned from early 2027 to early 2028.

Meanwhile, improvement works are also being planned for Burslem School of Art to enhance the building as a learning facility and improve access. Expressions of interest have been invited, tenders have been received, and a decision on appointing a contractor is expected in the coming weeks.

Together, the projects represent a significant period of investment for Burslem, with heritage buildings, streetscape improvements and future-use planning all moving forward at once.

It also comes just months after Stoke-on-Trent became the first city in the UK to declare a heritage emergency and called for £325 million in public and private investment over the next decade.