THE BANK
Urban Wilderness CIC has taken a lease on one of Longton’s beautiful heritage buildings and is transforming it into a Creative Community Hub for Longton and the south of Stoke-on-Trent.
SUPPORTERS
Ross Ankers |
Lee Clowery |
Phoenixe-Lei Cope |
Chloe Moran |
Shell Martin |
Joshua Pennock |
Val Smith |
Angela Lee |
Julie Oxberry |
Dean Brindley |
Lindsey Podmore |
Jacob Salt |
Beth Childs |
Yvonne Byatt |
Hussam Bushra |
Christina Magkoufopoulou |
Kerry Davies |
Sheila Cowell |
Liz Tideswell |
Steve Barlow |
PCSO Jane Lawlor |
PCSO Claire Lindop |
Cllr Chris Robinson |
MP Allison Gardner |
Susan Clarke |
Isla Telford |
Orson Ankers |
Rafferty Ankers |
Jenny Harper |
Anya Cummings |
Elizabeth Garrity |
Kevin Hall |
Emma Cushion |
Peter Herbert |
Ross Ankers | Lee Clowery | Phoenixe-Lei Cope | Chloe Moran | Shell Martin | Joshua Pennock | Val Smith | Angela Lee | Julie Oxberry | Dean Brindley | Lindsey Podmore | Jacob Salt | Beth Childs | Yvonne Byatt | Hussam Bushra | Christina Magkoufopoulou | Kerry Davies | Sheila Cowell | Liz Tideswell | Steve Barlow | PCSO Jane Lawlor | PCSO Claire Lindop | Cllr Chris Robinson | MP Allison Gardner | Susan Clarke | Isla Telford | Orson Ankers | Rafferty Ankers | Jenny Harper | Anya Cummings | Elizabeth Garrity | Kevin Hall | Emma Cushion | Peter Herbert |
WHAT IS THE BANK?
The Bank stands at the gateway to Longton Town Centre, in between the iconic railway bridge and landmark Town Hall and Victorian Market. It is a figurehead building in the heart of the Conservation Area, with ornate brickwork and high windows of the historic banking hall representing the wealth generated by the town’s industrial past.
Previously occupied by Barclays, The Bank had been empty since 2021, had been vandalised and suffered extreme water damage, and was uninsured. As with other buildings in the Conservation Area, it is a target for break-ins, arson, and further vandalism.
what’s the plan?
Our ambition is to restore the historic banking hall to it’s original glory, exposing period high windows and ornate ceiling, and move our cultural programme of activities to this space. We also aim to improve accessibilty through installing from-pavement access, a through-lift, and accessible toilets.
We plan to create a community meeting room and artist studios. The Bank will be a new home in Longton for creativity and a base for our large-scale events and wider community outreach.
Urban Wilderness CIC produce Longton Carnival & Pig Walk Parade and The Winter Gathering annual Longton events. We also screen films, run creative workshops, artist talks, exhibitions, the Town Forum and a training opportunities from their current base in the Longton Exchange shopping precinct. We want to move all of that, and more, here.
Our long-term ambition is to move the building into community ownership, stabilising a permanent home for culture at the heart of creative Longton.
“The Bank Community Hub has the capacity to become a project that will be transformational for our town, establishing it as a place where there is room to grow the ambition and passion of the wider community for arts, culture, heritage, artisan crafts, music & theatre that is now so very apparent. We will do all we can possibly to show our support and help to this project, because we believe its what our town and the people of Longton need and want.”
Sheila Cowell, Chair of Longton Community Partnership
How can you help?
There are lots of ways to get involved, support us and be part of the creative future of Longton.
Pledge your support
Over 50 people have already pledged their support for The Bank. Complete the short form on this page to give your backing.
Let us know your ideas
Do you have a great idea for The Bank? What future activities would you like to see in this new space? Email us at info@urbanwildernesscic.com to let us know.
Volunteer
We need help to renovate this beautiful building. From painting to joinery, all levels of skill and previous experience are welcome. There will be volunteer days planned in March. If you’re interested in lending a hand, email our volunteer co-ordinator, Val Smith, at val@urbanwildernesscic.com.
Donate
Even small donations help us to continue the work to bring The Bank back to life and reach it’s full potential. Donate by clicking here. We’re really grateful for your support!
Nominate The Bank for the Pride in Place Impact Fund
The council is inviting residents, individuals, community groups, and local organisations to put forward nominations for projects that will make a real difference to their local area. You can nominate The Bank! Click here for more information and the nomination form - www.stoke.gov.uk/impactfund
Are you interested in using The Bank?
Do you need meeting space for your community group? Are you an artist that needs space to work and create? Do you need performance space to host an event? Get in touch with us at info@urbanwildernesscic.com, we’ll add you to our mailing list for The Bank and let you know when it is ready for hire.
Thank you for supporting cultural activity in Longton!
pledge your support
“We look forward to The Bank opening up. The vision for a creative and community hub will develop opportunities within the town and support our work. We are working with UW to actualise our shared vision for Longton as a youth-oriented and cultural town.”
