Building renovated at former ceramics factory

The redevelopment of the former Spode Works ceramics factory in Stoke-on-Trent has reached another milestone, with the renovation of another building.

Building 4L in the historic Bottle Kiln Courtyard has been completed and is now fully occupied.

The building had been largely unused since the factory closed and was in a state of severe disrepair, with a partially-collapsed roof, rotting timbers, broken windows and asbestos contamination.

Developers Dog & Bone Properties acquired the building last October and it has taken 18 weeks to complete the work.

The Spode factory closed in 2008 and Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been working to regenerate the area since 2016.

Plans for a creative technology hub were approved last year.

The renovated building retains many original features including its 18th Century brickwork along with wooden flooring which dates back to 1939.

Jeff Nash, director of Dog & Bone, said it showed how heritage buildings could be reused, while creating jobs and opportunities.

He said: "We are seeing strong demand for niche workspaces in sympathetically-restored heritage buildings like Building 4L, which shows that there is a bright future for Spode Works."

Project manager Ashley Booth added: "By reusing materials, installing heritage double-glazed units, innovative heating systems and keeping as much of the original fabric as possible, we've managed to create a modern, energy-efficient workspace while preserving the building's character."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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