First look at what's brewing at Spode Works

Social impact developer Capital&Centric has unveiled early images of the future transformation of the creative work and exhibition spaces at Spode Works, which are being designed as new creative spaces for the artists already calling Spode home.

The new images offer the local community and local artists a preview of what the first phase of regeneration will look like for the iconic Stoke-on-Trent site.

The plans for Spode, submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in June, would see the China Halls reimagined as a flexible home for exhibitions, events and community activity, with restored studios for creative businesses across the wider site.

The Bisque Store, one of the site's most characterful heritage buildings is set for a fresh new chapter too. Approved plans would see it sensitively repurposed to serve up new padel courts, alongside a cafe which would be open to all.

The phasing of the project has been specifically designed so that existing artists and businesses can remain in situ on the site throughout all stages of work. Capital&Centric has attended a number of meetings alongside the Cultural Alliance Group to ensure the plans reflect the needs of the artists already in residence at Spode. Over the coming months internal layouts and specifications will be developed with the artists to add the additional layers of design required.

A full public consultation also took place with the wider community in the spring, with a drop-in event which was attending by around 300 local residents, businesses and visitors. Capital&Centric was bowled over by the turn out and the enthusiasm expressed by locals and all feedback received was taken into consideration as the plans went into the final design stage.

‍Mark Edwards, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said:

"Spode Works is one of the most significant heritage sites in the country and this first phase is about getting the foundations right. The Bisque Store is a brilliant building, and we've worked hard to find a use that brings people onto the site, generates footfall and helps fund the long-term restoration of the buildings that matter most here. All existing ACAVA and other cultural residents will not be affected or relocated by the Spode project and existing artists will be more than welcome to move into new space if they wish to or stay where they are. Everything we're doing is designed to open this place up - for the artists and people already here and for the thousands more we want to bring in.”

The wider masterplan for Spode Works will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood including over 100 homes, independent food and drink, cultural attractions and green space - building on Capital&Centric's track record in Stoke-on-Trent following the successful delivery of Goods Yard.