An annual progress report highlights how Stoke-on-Trent City Council and its partners are translating the Future 100 vision into practical actions across key areas including economic growth, regeneration, transport, education, communities, and family support. The programme, launched to address long-standing challenges in ensuring economic growth benefits all residents, has secured substantial investment and reached major milestones over the past year.
Key achievements include securing investment for preparatory work on the A50/500 road improvements, a £120 million government package for the ceramics sector, £105 million for transport infrastructure, and £60 million for community-led projects in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. A new City Centre Masterplan aims to create more homes and revitalise public spaces, while stabilisation work has begun on heritage buildings in Burslem. Plans are also progressing to transform Chatterley Whitfield into a hub for clean energy and digital innovation.
The Future 100 programme is also enhancing resident opportunities through initiatives like the Connect to Work employment programme and expanded skills bootcamps, leading to youth employment outcomes that surpass national and regional averages. The Family Matters programme continues to support over 560 families and 1,300 children annually through early intervention and community support.
A significant development has been the establishment of a citywide partnership approach, with a Future 100 Strategic Board and mission boards bringing together representatives from business, education, health, the voluntary sector, and government. This collaborative model, which now includes young people via the Stoke-on-Trent Youth Council, ensures local expertise shapes decision-making.
Launched in 2025 with the aim of ensuring growth and prosperity for the next century, Future 100 partners have worked with the government to identify 12 priority projects. Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, stated, “Future 100 is about making sure growth benefits everyone. We want to see better outcomes for our communities, stronger neighbourhoods, improved health and more opportunities for local people.” She added, “What this report shows is that by working together, and speaking with one voice, we are already making a real difference.”
While substantial progress has been made, partners emphasise that Future 100 remains committed to long-term change, continuing to secure the investment, collaboration, and innovation necessary to realise the city's full potential.
