Big plans brewing at Spode Works and locals invited to have their say

The next chapter for the iconic Spode Works is taking shape and locals are being invited to have their say before plans are submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Social impact developer Capital&Centric is hosting a drop-in event on Thursday 26 March 3pm–7pm at the China Halls at Spode Works with free pizza, pints and padel.

Working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the developer is transforming Spode Works into a landmark destination, breathing new life into the historic pottery factory.

Consultation has been launched on phase one, which focuses on bringing the public back to the heart of Spode, with new leisure uses at the site for the first time including a food and drink hangout and padel courts.

The plans include a new public walking route through the China Halls, which will connect the heart of site to the Kingsway, and the proposed demolition of Gordon House will reveal the full façade of the historic China Hall. The existing Spode Rose Garden will be extended alongside other new public green spaces.

As with all Capital&Centric projects, the approach has been to restore the historic buildings that can be brought back to life while carefully removing parts of the site that are beyond repair.

Tom Wilmot, Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:

“Spode Works is packed with proper Stoke history and character, so the aim is simple - keep what makes it special and open it up so people can actually enjoy it again. Phase one gets the ball rolling with new public spaces, places to eat and drink, and even spaces for sport. We’d love locals to pop down, grab a slice and a pint, and tell us what they think.”

The drop-in event will be held on Thursday 26 March 3pm–7pm at the China Halls, Spode Works, Elenora Street, ST4. There is no need to book and members of the team will be on hand to answer questions. Feedback will help shape the plans before they’re submitted, with the consultation open until Monday 6 April.

Spode Works once sat at the heart of the UK’s ceramics industry, producing fine bone china and the famous underglaze blue transfer printing that helped put Stoke-on-Trent on the world stage. Now the ambition is to give the historic site a new lease of life - blending heritage with publicly accessible uses, which pave the way for future phases of homes and creative workspaces.

The long-term vision for the 10-acre Spode Works site is to transform the historic pottery factory into a buzzing neighbourhood with new homes, indie cafés, bars, restaurants, creative workspaces and lush public spaces.