Chris Ward – Civic Pride nominee

Chris Ward – Civic Pride nominee

Part of Longton that’s helping to drive the town’s regeneration would have been demolished if it hadn’t been for the intervention of Chris Ward.

Chris, the manager of Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, was asked to oversee the demolition of what has now become the town’s Exchange Quarter. Instead he suggested a £60,000 project to create a vibrant community of independent businesses, which is now attracting visitors into the area.

Chris has also championed initiatives that directly benefit the community including The Little Longton Book Exchange, free family events, community drop-in sessions, the Win a Shop programme supporting new businesses and Stoke-on-Trent’s only dedicated Tourism Information Hub.

He serves as a Director of From Longton & Proud CIC and Partners Against Business Crime in Staffordshire.

Chris has been nominated in the Civic Pride category of the Your Heroes Awards by Roz Ryan.

She said: “For many people civic pride is about caring enough to make a difference. Chris Ward embodies that principle every single day.

“As Centre Manager of Longton Exchange, Chris has become one of the driving forces behind the positive transformation of Longton. His impact extends far beyond the shopping centre itself. Through his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment to the community he has helped create opportunities, improve public spaces, support local businesses and bring people together.

“What makes Chris exceptional is that he doesn’t simply manage a shopping centre – he actively invests in the future of the town. He is visible, approachable and always willing to get involved.”

Chris is visible in the local community leading community litter picks, supporting local charities and CICs, taking part in the Longton Carnival parade, helping at community events or dressing as Santa to ensure local children can enjoy a free Christmas experience.

Chris personally developed a vision to transform Part of Longton Exchange into a vibrant Arts and Cultural Quarter, securing investment and using local contractors to create an area that now supports independent businesses, creativity and community activity. The project has become a visible symbol of Longton’s regeneration and a source of pride for local residents.

Chris’s work has attracted recognition at the highest levels, with Allison Gardner MP regularly highlighting Longton Exchange and Longton’s regeneration within Parliament.

Roz added: “Chris measures success differently. For him, success is seeing a vacant unit become a thriving business, a community group finding a home, a family enjoying a free event or a resident feeling proud of their town again.

“Longton is a better place because of Chris Ward. His leadership, generosity, vision and belief in the community have helped change perceptions, inspire others and create a town centre that people can once again be proud of.

“Chris Ward is a true champion of Civic Pride and a worthy recipient of this award.”