Major plans to transform former library and baths into flats and leisure scheme

A Grade II listed former library and baths could be turned into flats and a leisure centre under new £8m plans.

A preferred developer for the Grade ll Listed former Tunstall Library and Baths has been selected by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Tunstall Library Development Ltd, headed up by local business man Stanley Yu and Staffordshire based Croft Architecture, have been appointed subject to formal contract agreements.

The plans include unique apartments as well as new build.

The development will accommodate a fitness space and on-site parking. Potential commercial uses for part of the property are being investigated which could be a café or community led initiative.

The next stage is for the plans to be drawn up in more detail, including consultation with the community, to be submitted for planning approval later this year.

The project is able to go ahead with £3.35m investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is another positive step to bring life back into Tunstall Town and create a vibrant and attractive place to live and work. Following from the successful redevelopment of Tunstall Town Hall, bringing another stunning historic building back into positive use will be great for the town and re-instate some of its former glory.

“Our towns are full of character and local pride is strong. Investing in our treasured historic buildings is helping to retain a connection to these once globally important centres of industry whilst re-inventing them to meet the needs of people today and in the future. This will encourage further investment and jobs as well as attractive places to live and enjoy.”

Carl Croft, director of Croft Architecture, said: “We’re very much looking forward to conserving the historic buildings on this site and bringing this area of Tunstall back into productive use, in order to contribute to this town becoming a thriving local centre once again. We want to create high quality homes here, as well as spaces that can be enjoyed by the community of Stoke-on-Trent. This may include a conference space for business or other meetings, and a leisure facility with a swimming pool.

“It is an honour and a privilege that we have been selected, and we very much look forward to bringing these aspirations to life.”