Published: Monday, 3rd March 2025
Stoke-on-Trent has welcomed a brand-new, state-of-the-art, soft play facility in Hanley Market - thanks to £50,000 of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The play area is part of the Family Matters programme, which helps families access the support, advice, and opportunities they need to thrive.
It features a range of equipment including a slide, climbing frames, puzzles and a seating area and will be supported by a programme of activities and access to advice and drop in support on a range of topics such as finance, nursery funding and school readiness.
The soft play area is just the beginning of a wider scheme that will see the creation of Stoke-on-Trent’s newest Family Hub at the market, which will offer services like financial MOTs and other support to help families with their health and wellbeing.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re excited to open this new soft play facility at Hanley Market. It will be a great space for children to enjoy, and it’s part of our work to support families and bring more visitors to the city centre.
“The new soft play area will provide a vital resource for local families, offering both a fun space for children and practical support. This is also part of wider plans to revitalise Hanley Market, supporting our local traders.”
Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “This soft play area will be a valuable resource for families, offering children a place to have fun and develop important skills. We’re proud to offer this new facility as part of our wider support for families in the city.”
The facility is now open to the public, with an official celebration to follow as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year celebrations.
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