Hanley Town Hall

Designed by architect Robert Scrivener, Hanley Town Hall was originally constructed as the Queen’s Hotel in 1869. The building is notable for its French pavilion roofs and symmetrical design, characteristic of Renaissance-style architecture.Its prominent location on Albion Square made it a significant landmark in Hanley. In the early 1880s, financial difficulties led to the hotel's closure. Recognising the need for more civic space, the borough council acquired the building in 1884. Under the guidance of borough surveyor Joseph Lobley, the structure was converted into a town hall, reopening in 1886 with a council chamber, municipal offices, and courtrooms.

The town hall served as the administrative centre for Hanley until the formation of the Federation of Stoke-on-Trent in 1910. It became a focal point for civic events and commemorations. In 1912, following the sinking of the RMS Titanic, a plaque was unveiled in the town hall to honour Captain Edward Smith, a Hanley native. Additionally, a war memorial was erected outside in 1922 to commemorate local service personnel who died in World War I. Adjacent to the town hall, Victoria Hall was constructed in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Designed by Joseph Lobley, the hall was intended as a concert venue and has hosted numerous cultural events over the years.

Throughout the 20th century, Hanley Town Hall continued to serve various civic functions, including as a courthouse and register office. However, with the relocation of these services to newer facilities, the building's role diminished. In 2020, Stoke-on-Trent City Council announced plans to sell the property as part of its heritage sites disposal programme. The building, encompassing over 4,100 square metres, is now being marketed for redevelopment, with potential uses including leisure, hospitality, or residential purposes.