Restoration work underway at historic Burslem Market Hall as £4 million project begins

Work 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.

Scaffolding 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.

Built 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.

A major restoration effort

The 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.

Work 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Plans for future use

Once the building has been stabilised, the council intends to reopen the space for temporary uses, including events, leisure activities and hospitality.

In 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.

Specialist 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.

A wider heritage challenge

The restoration of Burslem Market Hall sits within a much broader effort to address the condition of historic buildings across Stoke-on-Trent.

Earlier this year, the city declared a “heritage emergency”, estimating that around £325 million is needed to protect and restore its most significant historic assets.

Burslem, 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.

There 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.

Despite this, work has now begun on site, marking a significant step forward after years of uncertainty.

A building with deep local significance

For 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.

Its closure in 2003 left a visible and symbolic gap in Burslem’s high street, contributing to a wider sense of decline.

The 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.

Looking ahead

The 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.

While challenges remain, the start of physical work on the building represents a turning point for Burslem Market Hall.

After more than 20 years of uncertainty, one of the town’s most important historic spaces is finally being brought back into use.