How city could become a live events destination

Stoke-on-Trent could get a new music and entertainment venue as part of plans to turn the city centre into a live events destination.

The proposal will be included in Stoke-on-Trent City Council's city centre plan, which will detail the transformation of Hanley over the next 10 to 15 years.

The mid-sized venue would replace the scrapped proposal for an arena at the Etruscan Square redevelopment, which the authority said was undeliverable.

Existing buildings could be turned into events spaces as part of the city centre plan, including the China Halls at the Spode site.

The city council said it would also look at utilising its parks and green spaces, while a new working group would be created by bringing together operators of existing venues.

Measures would be put in place to "protect and enhance" established venues like the King's Hall, the authority added.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the plan was an exciting opportunity to enhance the city's cultural sector.

"It has the potential to unleash Stoke-on-Trent's potential to be a major music and events destination, attracting musicians, events and audiences from further afield while tapping into our rich and diverse cultural offer," she added.

The development of the plan followed two reviews that were carried out by music promoter Mike Lloyd and events consultant Kerry Endsor.

They concluded that Stoke-on-Trent would benefit from a renewed interest in larger gigs and events with audiences of more than 200 people.

Both also said there was a need for a mid-sized venue with a capacity of up to 3,000.

The proposals in the city centre plan are set to be discussed by the council's cabinet during a meeting on Tuesday.

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