MP Gareth Snell emphasizes the need for revitalization in Hanley, urging community support and collaboration for a brighter future.
Stoke-on-Trent: We need to talk about Hanley. It’s the heart of our city. But honestly, it needs some care and attention.
When I chat with people in Stoke-on-Trent Central, Hanley often comes up. They share happy childhood memories and stories about pubs and clubs. But then, they feel sad about how the town has changed.
There are great businesses in Hanley. They keep the high street alive. We also have coffee shops, restaurants, theatres, a museum, and a market. The building blocks are there to make Hanley special, but we’re running out of time.
Last year, I met with the city council leader, the chief executive, and the Chamber of Commerce head. We spoke with the new Labour minister to get support for our city center. We need everyone to work together, both locally and nationally.
We need new housing near the city center. We must address the empty buildings and the issues with anti-social behavior. We want big-name stores to know they can succeed in Hanley.
Some progress is happening. The Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District is doing great work. They support local businesses and host events. But reviving Hanley is a big job that needs a solid recovery plan.
The last Conservative council only offered a new car park, which didn’t earn as much as expected. They also promised an arena that never happened and a redevelopment plan that’s still unfunded.
We’ve been let down before. Remember ‘City Sentral’ or the ‘Central Business District’? We’ve been promised a lot but often left with nothing. We can’t afford more failures.
So, let’s keep talking about Hanley. Let’s demand more. Together, we can turn our conversations into a bright future for our city center.
