Britain’s spiritual home of ceramics is set for another boost, thanks to a £10m vision to transform a former, internationally renowned, ceramics factory.
Stoke-on-Trent is already undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration, breathing new life into historic buildings and creating new bars, food and drink venues.
Now a new development plan for the historic Spode site in the heart of The Potteries has taken a major step forward.
One of the most important factories from the Industrial Revolution and the birthplace of bone china, the site will now be transformed into a home for creative and digital industries, as well as arts and leisure use along with improved town centre access and new green spaces.
Celebrating its rich heritage, as well as re-inventing the former ‘potbank’, the plans have now been approved and the development will be delivered over several phases.
The first, over the next two years, will see £10m of government funding used for infrastructure improvements and the refurbishment of key buildings.
Existing businesses, including live music venue, the Factory Floor and the Claybody Theatre, which produces plays inspired by Stoke-on-Trent, will benefit from the refurbishment.
Also welcoming the plan is one of the UK’s biggest ceramics celebrations, The British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), which has a long-standing relationship with Spode.
News of the latest regeneration for the city comes as developers reveal that another major scheme will open sooner than expected.
Capital&Centric’s Goods Yard is a £60m project to transform an industrial site next to the West Coast mainline train station into a vibrant new urban quarter with homes, business, and leisure space. A new landmark on the city’s skyline, it includes the restored canal side Vaults Warehouse, which will become a new dining and leisure experience.
Originally expected be completed next Spring, it is now hoped that parts of the neighbourhood could potentially open earlier.
The Potteries ‘renaissance’ comes as Stoke-on-Trent officially becomes a World Craft City, a status awarded to areas where there are excellent social, cultural, and economic contributions from communities. It also comes as the city prepares to enter its centenary year in 2025 – marking 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was officially awarded city status.
Already known as a capital of ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent has been shaped by its pottery production for centuries, and today is still home to world famous ceramic brands as well as award-winning attractions, tours, and factory shops.
For more information on Stoke-on-Trent as a destination, see www.visitstoke.co.uk