Stoke-on-Trent arts group seeks help to turn vacant bank into creative hub
Longton-based Urban Wilderness CIC has taken a five-year lease on the vacant Barclays Bank building
A Stoke-on-Trent community arts organisation is appealing for help to convert a former town centre bank into a vibrant creative hub.
Longton-based Urban Wilderness CIC – whose events include the hugely popular Pig Walk, which this year brought 30,000 visitors to the town, and Winter Gathering – has taken a five-year lease on the vacant Barclays Bank building in The Strand, which has stood empty for three years.
The not-for-profit group hopes to eventually relocate their activities – including film clubs, creative workshops, talks, photography classes, the town forum, community lounges and mental health groups – from their current base in the Longton Exchange shopping precinct to the three-storey former bank.
The landmark building needs significant work in order to be used by the team, more than 90 event and creative volunteers, and the wider community. Planned improvements include heating upgrades, toilet facilities and accessibility improvements such as a through-lift.
After initially opening up the ground floor space, Urban Wilderness CIC hopes to create meeting rooms, artists’ studios, a bar and a small performance area with a capacity of up to 50 people.
The organisation is appealing to tradespeople and businesses who may be able to offer skills, materials, time or sponsorship to help transform the building. They would also like to hear from local residents and community members about what activities they would like to see in the new space.
Isla Telford, co-director of Urban Wilderness CIC, said: “This is a lovely building in a great location which is one of the gateways to Longton.
“It has been empty for three years but it’s in a reasonable condition. We need to make it accessible so that we can welcome all members of the community.
“We hope to be able to hold some of our activities in the new building in around six months’ time and we would be grateful to anyone who is able to help us make this happen.”
To get in touch with suggestions or to help with the transformation of the building, email info@urbanwildernesscic.com