City Centre Family Hub Planned for Vacant Market Stalls

Seven unoccupied market stalls are slated for conversion into a family hub, according to plans presented by a local authority. Stoke-on-Trent City Council intends to establish a “one-stop shop” for families at Hanley Indoor Market, located within The Potteries Centre. The local authority has been developing family hubs across the city, utilizing £3.5m in government funding. These centers integrate council, health, and community services in a single venue to assist families in obtaining the support they require. The city council has submitted proposals to transform seven empty stalls situated at the market’s far end, close to the toilets. The authority indicated these would provide a location for activity areas, drop-in facilities, and a community bookshelf, in addition to a new soft play zone. Council officials believe these proposals would also contribute to the market’s overall improvement. Their application stated: “It is felt that proposals offer a wider range of opportunity for the market and that they do not look to fundamentally change the market but make it more expansive.” It further noted: “It is felt that persons typically using the market will find the range of new opportunities positive and that this will also have a positive impact on existing market stalls.” The city council currently operates five family hubs, located in Bentilee, Shelton, Chell Heath, Tunstall, and Longton. New family hubs are also being established in Abbey Hulton and Blurton. Leaders have stated that the implementation of family hubs is expected to support efforts aimed at reducing the high number of children in care within the city. This news was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organizations. For updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.