the angel – issue 9, autumn 2008
DESCRIPTION
An update on Burslem Regeneration Progress New homes shape future Hundreds move in as Mother Town moves on.TRANSCRIPT
ANGELthe
AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS
ISSUE 9 Autumn 2008
New homesshape future
Pages 8-9Hundreds move in as Mother Town moves on
The Angel p1 25/9/08 16:54 Page 1
PEOPLE who ask whetheranything is happening inBurslem prefer to ignore thenew housing and theon-going work in publicareas familiar to the town’spedestrians.
The impact of the creditcrunch does make the worlda bleaker place with new,but empty, houses lookingfor owners. The importantpoint is that behind thescenes a great deal ishappening.
The jigsaw of land leadingto the extension of theBurslem bypass is wellunderway; the Mother TownMasterplan has beenupdated and approved; andschemes for the WedgwoodInstitute and the towncentre including the indoormarket are being puttogether.
Despite the credit crunch,new work is underway andthe new board of theBurslem RegenerationCompany has started toshoulder its responsibilities.
It can be a long anddifficult process to apply forgrants for public projects toimprove the environment forlocal residents, but we shallsucceed. Nothing everhappens unless you make ithappen. The new houseswill sell and further houseswill be built. Burslem isalive – whatever the cynicsmay say.
Moorcroft is about tounveil record profits andtourism continues to thrive.Burslem is a great place tolive and to work and I amcertain that together weshall reach our goals.
Plenty ishappeningto ensureprogress
By HughEdwardsChairman ofThe BurslemRegenerationCompany
2 T H E A N G E L
APLAN to extend the Burslem bypass from
Nile Street to Moorland Road will be drawn
up by the end of the year.
City council highways engineers are currently
looking at all the options to complete the bypass
which starts in Newcastle Street.
The new road would take hundreds of vehicles a
day out of Burslem town centre, reducing pressure
on busy road junctions and enabling further
environmental improvements to be carried out.
Group Manager (Highways Development) Steve
Davenport said there was a window of opportunity
to deliver the scheme and a number of options
were being assessed. He said it was most likely
the new road would run from Nile Street up
Hobson Street, around the periphery of the former
Royal Doulton site and across to Moorland Road.
He added: “We have talked to developers St
Modwen who own the former Doulton site and will
be discussing the issue with other land owners
and will be looking to make a proposal to city
councillors by the end of the year.
“Completing the bypass would be a great help
to Burslem town centre, providing traffic with an
alernative means of travelling from Moorland Road
to Newcastle Street.
“It would allow us to continue to improve the
pedestrian environment in the town centre.”
Burslem North Councillor Joy Garner, the city
council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said
the completion of the bypass would be a “much-
needed improvement for the town.”
She said: “It will reduce traffic congestion,
cleaning up the air in the town centre and allow
visitors to enjoy Burslem. There are lots of new
shops in Burslem town centre and taking the
traffic out will make it a better experience for
everyone using them.”
Plans drawn up tofinish bypass
WORK has started on
demolishing the former Royal
Doulton factory site at Nile
Street, Burslem, to make way for
an exciting development that
will bring new homes and jobs
to the heart of the Mother Town.
Developers St Modwen
Properties have been granted
planning approval by the city
council for the project that will
incorporate around 140 new
homes and more than 50
business units on the prime
11-acre site. While most of the
factory will be demolished, St
Modwen will restore the original
main Royal Doulton building in
Nile Street to mark Burslem’s
proud heritage as the centre of
North Staffordshire’s world
renowned ceramics industry.
St Modwen Regional Director
Mike Herbert said: “The current
climate in the housing market
and wider economy means we
are unable to say when building
will commence. However, St
Modwen is firmly committed to
the project and its contribution
to the regeneration of Burslem.
We will start to move forward as
soon as there is a change in the
economic climate.
“Meanwhile, we are currently
demolishing the factory and
securing the site so it will be
both safe and ready for when
building work commences.”
Factory site clearance work underway
JoyGarner, Burslem
North City Councillorand a Director of the
Regeneration Company,pictured at Hobson Street
– a likely route for thefinal stretch of the
town’s bypass.
The Angel p2 25/9/08 16:21 Page 1
T H E A N G E L 3
MORE than £40m of
Government funding
has been approved to
rebuild Stoke on Trent College’s
Burslem Campus as one of the
UK’s most modern higher
education facilities.
The Government’s Learning
and Skills Council gave the
green light to the scheme, which
will also see extensive new
buildings at the Cauldon
Campus in Shelton.
The redevelopment of
Burslem campus has already
started with the opening of the
John Seddon Building
Technology Centre. Now the
scene is set for the site to be
cleared, and rebuilt in 21st
century style with an open
pedestrian space linking a series
of individual buildings within an
eco-friendly traffic-free
environment.
A striking signature building
fronting onto Moorland Road is
being planned to provide one of
Stoke-on-Trent’s most modern
pieces of architecture.
Architect Aidan Ridyard
explained: “It is our ambition to
make this a landmark building of
which the whole community can
be proud. The entire
development will form relatively
low-rise buildings. The narrow
building depths maximise
daylight and ventilation
efficiencies.”
A detailed planning
application for the works will be
submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City
Council in early 2009, with work
expected to start in early 2010
for completion in 2013.
College Principal Graham
Moore said: “The LSC’s decision
secures the funding we require
to move ahead with this exciting
opportunity for Stoke-on-Trent.
“The campus developments
offer both the learning and
wider communities once in a
lifetime investment to improve
life opportunities for all. The
renewal will be sympathetic to
the locations in which they are
sited, while adding something
new and inspiring to the local
landscapes.
“Sustainable technologies and
construction practices will
feature throughout the new
campuses, minimising our
carbon footprint and delivering
intelligent buildings that
contribute positively to the
college’s ongoing operating
efficiencies.”
Patrick Wenger, Chair of the
college’s Board of Governors,
said: “New world class facilities
will support key areas of the
local and regional economy by
delivering high quality skills
training in health and social
care, construction and business
and professional services. This
reinforces a picture of a college
fighting fit to provide our
community with the skills
needed to compete in the 21st
century.”
£40m college rebuild isworld-class
THE £268,000 project totransform Swan Square intoa Continental-style piazzais due to be completed inOctober. Improvements tothe important gateway tothe Mother Town include agravel terrace andsandstone features,creating a 21st centurypublic space.
The original iron railingsthat used to surround thedemolished subterraneantoilet will be re-used andre-painted to form a barrierbetween the seating areaand traffic makingdeliveries to nearbybusiness premises. Thepublic will have access tothe new-look Swan Squarewhen work has finished,and there will an officialopening at a later date.
Continentalpiazza workprogressing
An artist’simpression showing
how the new Burslemcampus will look –
with Moorland Roadat the top right.
The Angel p3 25/9/08 16:25 Page 1
4 T H E A N G E L
EMPLOYMENT and trainingopportunities have beensignificantly boosted with
the opening of a newcommunity-based jobs,enterprise and training centre(JET) in Burslem.
The JET centre – hosted inBurslem by GroundworkStoke-on-Trent andStaffordshire, on behalf ofStoke-on-Trent City Council – is abase for local people to accessservices and support to assistthem on their journey back intoemployment.
People seeking work andtraining can take advantage ofthe expert support and serviceson offer, including access totraining courses such as literacyand numeracy, CV writing andinterview techniques and workexperience opportunities.
The scheme is also able to tapinto the expertise of awide range of JET partnerorganisations, including the CityCouncil, JobCentre Plus, theLearning and Skills Council,Stoke on Trent College,Connexions, the UniversityHospital of North Staffordshire,North Staffordshire YMCA andTouchstone Housing Association.
There is also JET Business,based in Hanley, an EmployerHub, working with localemployers to source localvacancies for JET clients.
The JET centre, one of three nowup and running in Stoke-on-Trent,is based at Groundwork’s Albany
House headquarterson Moorland Road. However, theservices they provide will beoffered from local communityfacilities bringing them even closerto the people they are aimed at.
There will be a JET outreach
centre in Burslem Town centre as
well as from Touchstone
Housing’s offices in Middleport,
and Port Vale Children’s Centre.
Julia Barraclough, Education
and Training Manager for
Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent and
Staffordshire, said: “JET is
unique because it is a
community-faced project.
“People do not have to come
to Groundwork’s office to access
these services – they will be
available from community hubs
throughout the Burslem area
literally providing the service in
their neighbourhood.
“Clients who are referred to
JET are given a broad range of
training with the aim of helping
them find work. “Firstly we work with them to
gauge what their aspirations are,before referring them to differentorganisations such as the YMCAfor confidence building andone-to-one support.
“Then they have the
opportunity to access trainingcourses, brush up on literacyand numeracy if required andtake part in work experienceplacements.
“We are also working closelywith GP surgeries and engaging
other agencies to provide as wella rounded level of support forclients as possible.”
For more information on theBurslem JET call 829911.
the JET set
Julia Barraclough,Education and
Training Managerfor Groundwork.
Wise job seekers join
Bringingservice to the
people – pictured at theMiddleport Community Hub,
left to right, Senior JET AdviserKay Fryer, JET Adviser Steve
Dunn, JET client VanessaBriggs and Midland Heart
Regeneration ManagerJohn Webbe.
The Angel p4 25/9/08 16:26 Page 1
T H E A N G E L 5
THE vision of a dramatically
improved town centre for
Burslem is soon to be
unveiled. Exciting new proposals
in a masterplan aimed at
revamping the heart of the
Mother Town and breathing new
cultural and economic life into
the area will be revealed in a
series of consultation events in
November by the board of the
re-constituted Burslem
Regeneration Company.
The masterplan takes in
suggestions made by previous
strategies and also introduces
fresh recommendations to attract
new businesses and investment,
create new jobs, work towards
developing a sustainable
community, redevelop Brownfield
land and maximise the cultural
and natural assets of the town
centre.
Original proposals were
reviewed by architectural town
planners HypoStyle who were
commissioned by Burslem
Regeneration Company to look at
all aspects of regenerating the
town centre.
It is hoped that work will start
on turning the dream into a
reality as early as next year – and
it’s estimated that the ambitious
programme will be completed by
2016.
The business and delivery plan
looks at four key areas:
● Accessibility and movement –
improving traffic
flow through the town and
pedestrian access.
● Attracting new businesses and
boosting tourism.
● Encouraging investment in
economic growth.
● Developing public services –
such as provision of healthcare
facilities, support for unemployed
people and promoting sporting
and cultural activities like the
concept of a Sports Village.
The business and delivery plan
also includes proposals for
improving the town centre’s
landmark buildings such as
Ceramica, the indoor market,
Wedgwood Institute and Queen’s
Theatre.
Julian Read, Burslem
Regeneration Manager, said:
“The business and delivery plan
will build on the previous
masterplanning work. Once it has
been approved by regeneration
partners we will look to
implement the proposal, making
Burslem town centre the vibrant,
attractive and prosperous place
that it should be.”
BURSLEM will turn backthe clock for this year’sChristmas Arts andCrafts Fair which willhave a Victorian theme.
Queen Street will betransformed into afestive Dickensian sceneon Saturday, December6 with stallholders inperiod costume, carolsinging, a hog roast andshop windowsdecorated in the style ofthe era.
Visitors will beinvited to try their handat one of the arts andcrafts workshops, whilethere will be plenty offree entertainment forchildren of all ages,such as live music,Victorian street gamesand storytellers withtales of Christmasespast.
Other attractions willinclude guided tours bylocal historians – and aseasonal ghost hunt atThe Leopard, NorthStaffordshire’s mosthaunted public house.
Julie Gould, JointVice-Chair of theBurslem Arts FestivalGroup, said: “This willbe the biggest BurslemChristmas Arts andCrafts Fair so far, withsomething for all thefamily.
“The style of thearchitecture in Burslemtown centre is an idealsetting in which tocreate a Victoriantheme.”
The fair runs from11am until 4pm. Theorganisers are lookingfor volunteers to helpon the big day. If youwould like to helpplease let Julie know byphoning 07971 272059or email her [email protected]
Things arelooking
up...
MEMBERS of the new board of theBurslem Regeneration Company are,left to right back row, Jon Cotgreave,
Edmund Yorke, Amanda Bromley, middlerow, Joy Garner, Joan Walley, Pamela
Malleleiu, David Rogers, front row, Rev AshleyCooper and Mark Rizk. The Board Chairman Hugh
Edwards was unable to attend the photo-call.
All set to turn dreaminto reality
Regeneration ManagerJulian Read will unveildetails of the newmasterplan for Burslem
Victoriantheme forChristmasfestivities
The Angel p5 25/9/08 16:27 Page 1
6 T H E A N G E L T H E A N G E L 7
THE Building Design
Partnership (BDP) has been
set up to prepare a detailed
masterplan for the next phase of
improvement work in Middleport.
Housing regeneration body
RENEW has appointed the expert
panel to carry out a six-month
consultation and feasibility study
to pave the way for the latest
wave of improvements.
The next phase of work will be
centred on the Newport Lane,
Slater Street and Maddock Street
area and will be primarily
residential. The site of the former
Wood and Sons Stanley Pottery in
Newport Lane will also be
redeveloped.
As well as repair and
renovation of existing properties,
other types of projects will
include creating improved on and
off street parking, traffic calming
measures and the development
of open spaces to boost the
sense of community.
RENEW is also working with
Staffordshire Police to curb
anti-social behaviour by targeting
empty or derelict properties, and
are close to identifying a site for a
new police post to house
neighbourhood officers.RENEW Development Manager
Harmesh Jassal said: “This is a
significant step forward because
Building Design partnership will
be producing
a clear and
detailed
vision
for the future of Middleport. This
will be a precursor to actual
planning applications for the
work to be carried out.
“BDP will be taking on board all
the consultations that have taken
place up until now and be looking
at everything from housing to
transport and transforming public
spaces.
“Public involvement is
essential and there will be
plenty of chances to view the
plans the partnership come
up with and for people to
have their say and shape
these designs.
“Repairs and
renovations will be
carried out where
possible and
appropriate, and the
overall scheme is about
enhancing the area and bringing
the Middleport community closer
together.”
RENEW has already spent more
than £400,000 in the Middleport
area and the investment is
making a tangible difference.
Communities in Ellgreave
Street and Lyndhurst Street have
already benefited from the first
phase of improvements which
have included housing
improvements as well as traffic
calming measures.
Mr Jassal added: “Residents
should take a look at the work
carried out in places like
Ellgreave Street as this is
indicative of the kind of
improvements we want to
continue to build on through the
next phase of work where
appropriate.”
SCORES of houses inMiddleport have alreadybenefited from improvementscarried out by RENEW.Throughout the spring andsummer, a £1.1 million projecthas transformed olderproperties in the area.
More than 70 homes inNewport Street, EllgreaveStreet, Sant Street, St Paul’sStreet, Church Square andGlobe Street have benefitedfrom a raft of improvements.
These have includedrepairing and replacing frontwindows, doors, roofs andguttering, boundary walls andgates, and the re-pointing andrepainting of masonry.
The work has been carriedout by RENEW NorthStaffordshire’s lead partners –Midland Heart housingassociation and JS Seddoncontractors – and has gonedown very well with residents.
Barry Thompson, of JSSeddon, said: “It is great thatthe residents are delightedwith the improvements to theirhomes and it’s great to be ableto deliver a project that meetsthe needs of the community.”
A SCHEME to convert a derelict19th Century flour mill atMiddleport into luxuryapartments has been givenplanning approval.
Burslem-based developersChris Shaw Properties want torenovate the canalside Port ValeMill, which has been dilapidatedfor over two decades, to create 14two-bedroom and three-bedroomflats. Plans also include nine newcourtyard-style two-bedroomhouses and two new apartmentsoff Milvale Street,
Architect Pat Redmond said therenovation design was insympathy with the historic flourmill, built in 1844, and itslocation in the Trent and MerseyCanal conservation area.
“We have worked closely withcity council conservation officersin drawing up the design for thedevelopment which is aimed atproviding aspirational homes foryoung single people andfamilies,” said Mr Redmond ofLeek-based CTD Architects. “Weare expecting to startconstruction work next year.”
RENEW Development ManagerHarmesh Jassal said: “The flourmill plan is a quality scheme andshows private sector confidencein the regeneration ofMiddleport.”
Meanwhile, Chris ShawProperties have made anotherplanning application to build 16flats and three houses on the siteof a flint grinding works,
adjacent to the flour mill. Theproposal would includeconversion of the canalsideworks for the houses and twoflats.
RENEW Development Manager Harmesh Jassal, right, and Pochin Homes Managing Director JohnCoupland pictured at the former site of the Wood and Sons Stanley Pottery where it is planned to buildaffordable, quality homes.
Derelict canalside flourmill set to be convertedinto luxury homes
WORK on a new £2million GPpractice to serve Middleport isexpected to start next year.Stoke-on-Trent PCT has made aplanning application to buildthe centre on land in DuncalfStreet and is carrying out afeasibility study on analternative location on the siteof a former primary school inMoreton Street.
Four GPs and three practicenurses will be based in thecomplex to provide care for6,000 patients.
A spokesman for the PCTsaid: “If the Moreton Streetsite is feasible we will submita planning application andthen local people will be ableto give their views on theirpreferred site of the two.”
Scores ofpropertiesimproved
Clear vision for the future includes continued investment and construction projects to improve Middleport for community
New £2mGP practice
An artist’s impression showing howthe historic flour mill will look afterthe conversion to apartments.
Developer ChrisShaw pictured at the
canalside by thederelict flour mill.
Welcometo the MiddleportCommunity Hub –Jackie Grant, top,
Midland HeartRegeneration ProjectOfficer, and Heather
Kuduk, RENEWProgramme
Officer.
Expert design team to plan
the next phase
The Angel p6-7 25/9/08 17:03 Page 1
6 T H E A N G E L T H E A N G E L 7
THE Building Design
Partnership (BDP) has been
set up to prepare a detailed
masterplan for the next phase of
improvement work in Middleport.
Housing regeneration body
RENEW has appointed the expert
panel to carry out a six-month
consultation and feasibility study
to pave the way for the latest
wave of improvements.
The next phase of work will be
centred on the Newport Lane,
Slater Street and Maddock Street
area and will be primarily
residential. The site of the former
Wood and Sons Stanley Pottery in
Newport Lane will also be
redeveloped.
As well as repair and
renovation of existing properties,
other types of projects will
include creating improved on and
off street parking, traffic calming
measures and the development
of open spaces to boost the
sense of community.
RENEW is also working with
Staffordshire Police to curb
anti-social behaviour by targeting
empty or derelict properties, and
are close to identifying a site for a
new police post to house
neighbourhood officers.RENEW Development Manager
Harmesh Jassal said: “This is a
significant step forward because
Building Design partnership will
be producing
a clear and
detailed
vision
for the future of Middleport. This
will be a precursor to actual
planning applications for the
work to be carried out.
“BDP will be taking on board all
the consultations that have taken
place up until now and be looking
at everything from housing to
transport and transforming public
spaces.
“Public involvement is
essential and there will be
plenty of chances to view the
plans the partnership come
up with and for people to
have their say and shape
these designs.
“Repairs and
renovations will be
carried out where
possible and
appropriate, and the
overall scheme is about
enhancing the area and bringing
the Middleport community closer
together.”
RENEW has already spent more
than £400,000 in the Middleport
area and the investment is
making a tangible difference.
Communities in Ellgreave
Street and Lyndhurst Street have
already benefited from the first
phase of improvements which
have included housing
improvements as well as traffic
calming measures.
Mr Jassal added: “Residents
should take a look at the work
carried out in places like
Ellgreave Street as this is
indicative of the kind of
improvements we want to
continue to build on through the
next phase of work where
appropriate.”
SCORES of houses inMiddleport have alreadybenefited from improvementscarried out by RENEW.Throughout the spring andsummer, a £1.1 million projecthas transformed olderproperties in the area.
More than 70 homes inNewport Street, EllgreaveStreet, Sant Street, St Paul’sStreet, Church Square andGlobe Street have benefitedfrom a raft of improvements.
These have includedrepairing and replacing frontwindows, doors, roofs andguttering, boundary walls andgates, and the re-pointing andrepainting of masonry.
The work has been carriedout by RENEW NorthStaffordshire’s lead partners –Midland Heart housingassociation and JS Seddoncontractors – and has gonedown very well with residents.
Barry Thompson, of JSSeddon, said: “It is great thatthe residents are delightedwith the improvements to theirhomes and it’s great to be ableto deliver a project that meetsthe needs of the community.”
A SCHEME to convert a derelict19th Century flour mill atMiddleport into luxuryapartments has been givenplanning approval.
Burslem-based developersChris Shaw Properties want torenovate the canalside Port ValeMill, which has been dilapidatedfor over two decades, to create 14two-bedroom and three-bedroomflats. Plans also include nine newcourtyard-style two-bedroomhouses and two new apartmentsoff Milvale Street,
Architect Pat Redmond said therenovation design was insympathy with the historic flourmill, built in 1844, and itslocation in the Trent and MerseyCanal conservation area.
“We have worked closely withcity council conservation officersin drawing up the design for thedevelopment which is aimed atproviding aspirational homes foryoung single people andfamilies,” said Mr Redmond ofLeek-based CTD Architects. “Weare expecting to startconstruction work next year.”
RENEW Development ManagerHarmesh Jassal said: “The flourmill plan is a quality scheme andshows private sector confidencein the regeneration ofMiddleport.”
Meanwhile, Chris ShawProperties have made anotherplanning application to build 16flats and three houses on the siteof a flint grinding works,
adjacent to the flour mill. Theproposal would includeconversion of the canalsideworks for the houses and twoflats.
RENEW Development Manager Harmesh Jassal, right, and Pochin Homes Managing Director JohnCoupland pictured at the former site of the Wood and Sons Stanley Pottery where it is planned to buildaffordable, quality homes.
Derelict canalside flourmill set to be convertedinto luxury homes
WORK on a new £2million GPpractice to serve Middleport isexpected to start next year.Stoke-on-Trent PCT has made aplanning application to buildthe centre on land in DuncalfStreet and is carrying out afeasibility study on analternative location on the siteof a former primary school inMoreton Street.
Four GPs and three practicenurses will be based in thecomplex to provide care for6,000 patients.
A spokesman for the PCTsaid: “If the Moreton Streetsite is feasible we will submita planning application andthen local people will be ableto give their views on theirpreferred site of the two.”
Scores ofpropertiesimproved
Clear vision for the future includes continued investment and construction projects to improve Middleport for community
New £2mGP practice
An artist’s impression showing howthe historic flour mill will look afterthe conversion to apartments.
Developer ChrisShaw pictured at the
canalside by thederelict flour mill.
Welcometo the MiddleportCommunity Hub –Jackie Grant, top,
Midland HeartRegeneration ProjectOfficer, and Heather
Kuduk, RENEWProgramme
Officer.
Expert design team to plan
the next phase
The Angel p6-7 25/9/08 17:03 Page 1
8 T H E A N G E L
A PRIME town centre site at the heart ofBurslem’s shopping area is beingdeveloped to provide high qualitynew-build housing with 21st centuryfacilities to suit both youngprofessionals and retired people.
The Furlong Passage development offour two-bedroom town houses withaccommodation over three storeys and25 one, two and three-bedroomapartments will feature secureunderground car parking and lifts aswell as a secure communal garden andoutside leisure area.
Situated conveniently between StJohns Square and Woodgate Street, the
site is being developed byLongton-based Talbot Developments.The first properties will be availablenext spring and the project is scheduledfor completion by the summer.
Rob Talbot, of Talbot Developments,said: “The development is designed toappeal to first time buyers and youngprofessionals as well as older peoplewho wish to down-size and mayappreciate the facility of a lift. Weinvested in this project because theprogramme of regeneration in Burslemis re-invigorating the centre of theMother Town and making it a desirableplace to live.”
T H E A N G E L 9
HUNDREDS of new housesin Burslem are becominghome to a growing number
of families, couples and singles,breathing life into the MotherTown.
Developments around the towncentre were always planned toattract a mix of people fromoutside the area and those whomay have lived locally all theirlives.
Now the policy is bearing fruit,with a growing population whowill, in turn, boost the town’sshops, pubs and restaurants.
Residents who have movedinto their homes tell of adeveloping sense of community...traditional Potteries warmth inthe Mother Town’s newestneighbourhoods.
And many are looking forwardto a time when a revitalisedBurslem might compete with thetrendy areas of cities likeManchester.
Lisa Watson, 28, movedinto her two-bed house atSadlers Park with husbandDuncan, 29, and childrenDeclan, six and Charlotte, one,after moving into the area fromWorcester.
Lisa said: “We had to findsomewhere quickly because ofDuncan’s teaching job and reallydropped on here – it’s great forfamilies. We love the fact that it’sso easy to get everywhere fromhere.
“There is so much on thedoorstep, like the countryside,motorway and Stoke on TrentCollege for my studies.”
Not many new housingdevelopments can boast theviews, nearby Victorian towncentre and great communicationsoffered by a home in Burslemtown centre.
Gareth Fallows, who has afour-bedroomed house at SadlersPark, said: “I chose Burslembecause I draw comparisons withother areas of the country whichhave already made it. Houseprices remain below the nationalaverage yet are indicating anupward trend.
“Burslem’s cultural heritage as
the catalyst for the world’s finestpottery also lends itself to futuredevelopment.
“In time Burslem will be toStoke-on-Trent what Didsbury isto Manchester.”
As well as attracting investorsand commuters, Burslem’s newdevelopments have given localfamilies the chance to move upthe housing ladder in terms ofquality.
Dave Dawson, 39, and his wifeTina, 40, have moved into theirfirst home together... a brandnew three bedroomed propertythey describe as their “dreamhome”.
Tina said: “We wanted our firsthome to be just right and fell inlove with our beautiful threebedroomed semi. We wanted tobuy it there and then.”
Design of the newdevelopments has been a majorconsideration, with the BurslemRegeneration Company workingwith developers to make sure
new housing complimentedthe town’s rich architecture.
And Sarah Broomhall, 24,who has also moved ontoSadlers Park, said the styleand affordability of theapartments had given her theconfidence to buy in Burslem.
She said: “With the rightdevelopment and with the rightdeal now is actually a great timeto buy.
“It proves you don’t need tolive in the city to have acosmopolitan lifestyle.”
l Meanwhile, more than halfthe homes built on the site of aformer pottery worksat HadderidgeGardens havebeen sold. Thirtyof the 48 homeshave beensnapped up,mainly by buyersfrom outsidethe area.
COMPLETION of thehousing scheme which willchange the face of Burslemtown centre is movingcloser as more and moreresidents are makinghomes in the latest phaseof the development.
Phase three of theSadlers Park complex iscurrently being marketedand attracting healthyinterest. As The Angel wentto press, six of the latestbatch of 46 propertiesreleased for sale had beensnapped up.
So far, a lively mix offamilies, couples and singlepeople have moved into thedevelopment, whichcombines townhouses andapartments in attractivelandscaping with neatcommunal gardens andscupltures. When it iseventually completed,Sadlers Park will see 421homes on the sites of theformer Wade and Sadlerspottery factories.
Once sales of phasethree are completedeveloper CountrysideProperties will build afurther 96 apartmentsbefore completing the site,which cuts a swathe aroundthe town centre, fromNewcastle Street to MarketSquare.
The final piece of thejigsaw will see two shopsfronting onto the squareopposite Ceramica, andforming a gateway to theSadlers Park development.
Countryside PropertiesRegional Sales DirectorMartin Leggett said: “Wehave now started the fourthand final phase of buildingand can see the positiveimpact this development ishaving on this charming,historic town. It has beenan exciting project for allinvolved but there’s a lotstill to come.”
Development has secure underground car parking
SadlersPark ishavingpositiveimpact
“In time Burslem will be to Stoke-on-Trent what
Didsbury is to Manchester.”Gareth Fallows
SarahBroomhall –
“now is agreat time
to buy.”
Daveand Tina
Dawson foundtheir “dream
home” at Sadlers
Park.
Homes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townDuncanand Lisa
Watson and theirchildren Declan andCharlotte. Lisa said
“it’s great forfamilies”.
Homes and people breathe
new life in town
8 T H E A N G E L
A PRIME town centre site at the heart ofBurslem’s shopping area is beingdeveloped to provide high qualitynew-build housing with 21st centuryfacilities to suit both youngprofessionals and retired people.
The Furlong Passage development offour two-bedroom town houses withaccommodation over three storeys and25 one, two and three-bedroomapartments will feature secureunderground car parking and lifts aswell as a secure communal garden andoutside leisure area.
Situated conveniently between StJohns Square and Woodgate Street, the
site is being developed byLongton-based Talbot Developments.The first properties will be availablenext spring and the project is scheduledfor completion by the summer.
Rob Talbot, of Talbot Developments,said: “The development is designed toappeal to first time buyers and youngprofessionals as well as older peoplewho wish to down-size and mayappreciate the facility of a lift. Weinvested in this project because theprogramme of regeneration in Burslemis re-invigorating the centre of theMother Town and making it a desirableplace to live.”
T H E A N G E L 9
HUNDREDS of new housesin Burslem are becominghome to a growing number
of families, couples and singles,breathing life into the MotherTown.
Developments around the towncentre were always planned toattract a mix of people fromoutside the area and those whomay have lived locally all theirlives.
Now the policy is bearing fruit,with a growing population whowill, in turn, boost the town’sshops, pubs and restaurants.
Residents who have movedinto their homes tell of adeveloping sense of community...traditional Potteries warmth inthe Mother Town’s newestneighbourhoods.
And many are looking forwardto a time when a revitalisedBurslem might compete with thetrendy areas of cities likeManchester.
Lisa Watson, 28, movedinto her two-bed house atSadlers Park with husbandDuncan, 29, and childrenDeclan, six and Charlotte, one,after moving into the area fromWorcester.
Lisa said: “We had to findsomewhere quickly because ofDuncan’s teaching job and reallydropped on here – it’s great forfamilies. We love the fact that it’sso easy to get everywhere fromhere.
“There is so much on thedoorstep, like the countryside,motorway and Stoke on TrentCollege for my studies.”
Not many new housingdevelopments can boast theviews, nearby Victorian towncentre and great communicationsoffered by a home in Burslemtown centre.
Gareth Fallows, who has afour-bedroomed house at SadlersPark, said: “I chose Burslembecause I draw comparisons withother areas of the country whichhave already made it. Houseprices remain below the nationalaverage yet are indicating anupward trend.
“Burslem’s cultural heritage as
the catalyst for the world’s finestpottery also lends itself to futuredevelopment.
“In time Burslem will be toStoke-on-Trent what Didsbury isto Manchester.”
As well as attracting investorsand commuters, Burslem’s newdevelopments have given localfamilies the chance to move upthe housing ladder in terms ofquality.
Dave Dawson, 39, and his wifeTina, 40, have moved into theirfirst home together... a brandnew three bedroomed propertythey describe as their “dreamhome”.
Tina said: “We wanted our firsthome to be just right and fell inlove with our beautiful threebedroomed semi. We wanted tobuy it there and then.”
Design of the newdevelopments has been a majorconsideration, with the BurslemRegeneration Company workingwith developers to make sure
new housing complimentedthe town’s rich architecture.
And Sarah Broomhall, 24,who has also moved ontoSadlers Park, said the styleand affordability of theapartments had given her theconfidence to buy in Burslem.
She said: “With the rightdevelopment and with the rightdeal now is actually a great timeto buy.
“It proves you don’t need tolive in the city to have acosmopolitan lifestyle.”
l Meanwhile, more than halfthe homes built on the site of aformer pottery worksat HadderidgeGardens havebeen sold. Thirtyof the 48 homeshave beensnapped up,mainly by buyersfrom outsidethe area.
COMPLETION of thehousing scheme which willchange the face of Burslemtown centre is movingcloser as more and moreresidents are makinghomes in the latest phaseof the development.
Phase three of theSadlers Park complex iscurrently being marketedand attracting healthyinterest. As The Angel wentto press, six of the latestbatch of 46 propertiesreleased for sale had beensnapped up.
So far, a lively mix offamilies, couples and singlepeople have moved into thedevelopment, whichcombines townhouses andapartments in attractivelandscaping with neatcommunal gardens andscupltures. When it iseventually completed,Sadlers Park will see 421homes on the sites of theformer Wade and Sadlerspottery factories.
Once sales of phasethree are completedeveloper CountrysideProperties will build afurther 96 apartmentsbefore completing the site,which cuts a swathe aroundthe town centre, fromNewcastle Street to MarketSquare.
The final piece of thejigsaw will see two shopsfronting onto the squareopposite Ceramica, andforming a gateway to theSadlers Park development.
Countryside PropertiesRegional Sales DirectorMartin Leggett said: “Wehave now started the fourthand final phase of buildingand can see the positiveimpact this development ishaving on this charming,historic town. It has beenan exciting project for allinvolved but there’s a lotstill to come.”
Development has secure underground car parking
SadlersPark ishavingpositiveimpact
“In time Burslem will be to Stoke-on-Trent what
Didsbury is to Manchester.”Gareth Fallows
SarahBroomhall –
“now is agreat time
to buy.”
Daveand Tina
Dawson foundtheir “dream
home” at Sadlers
Park.
Homes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townHomes and people breathe
new life in townDuncanand Lisa
Watson and theirchildren Declan andCharlotte. Lisa said
“it’s great forfamilies”.
Homes and people breathe
new life in town
AGRANT scheme has injected fresh confidence
into Burslem by improving the appearance of
historic buildings in the town. The Townscape
Heritage Initiative has been pumping hundreds of
thousands of pounds into restoring and enhancing
the exteriors of shops, offices and restaurants.
And now major chain stores are being approached
about the possibility of moving into the old Co-op
building in Swan Square – where the owner has
applied for a 90 per cent THI grant to give a facelift
to the art deco facade.
Project Manager, Suleman Nakhooda, said:
“The impact the scheme is having on the
town centre is now visually taking
shape and this is prompting investors to
have fresh faith in the town. There are
now a number of approaches being made
to nationwide retailers who are
interested in having their name
associated with this fast-
developing town centre.”
Roberta’s Bridal have expanded
by moving to a new premises in
Market Place.
The old shop has been filled
by new women’s outfitters
Simply Stunning and is undergoing over £50,000 of
THI-funded works to improve its exterior. There
could also be a second application for 90 per cent
funding to restore further historic detail.
Co-owner Sheila Hayward said: “Burslem is on the
top of the list for regeneration. I remember the town
in its hey-day, there is going to be money spent on it
again and we wanted to be here to give the ladies of
Burslem the quality they are going to want.”
The scheme has also invested into Nile Street –
one of Burslem’s key gateways – where Hassall
Shoe Repair Service is the first business to be
improved, receiving a £13,000 grant for work to
windows, guttering and the frontage.
The Hairatage hairdressing salon and The
Potteries Insurance Society – both in Queen Street –
are looking to benefit from improved shop windows,
repairs and shop fronts.
And new businesses to the town like the Beer
Emporium and women’s outfitters What Women
Want have been carrying-out attractive
improvements themselves – with a THI grant to
restore historic signage.
There are still grants available that shops can
apply for. To check if your property is within the THI
Boundary log onto www.stoke.gov.uk/burslemthi2.
BIG-HEARTED children ata Burslem Primary havechalked-up more than£1,750 for charity andorganisations in theMother Town.
Pupils at JohnBaskeyfield V.C. Church ofEngland Primary Schoolin Westport Road havetaken-on four challengesto raise funds.
They paid a pound todress their teddy bearsup like Pudsy bear,covered their furry friendsin bandages and worewellies for the day.
The £750 generatedwas then donated to childpatients at the UniversityHospital of NorthStaffordshire, Children inNeed and the DonnaLouise Trust.
Finally, a penaltyshoot-out involving all430 pupils was organisedin conjunction with PortVale. The youngsters triedto beat club mascotBoomer who kept goal –and raised more than£1,000 which was splitbetween school funds andcommunity initiatives atVale Park.
ReprographicsAssistant at the school,Michelle Lousia, whopreviously fundraised atthe Leopard Hotel, helpedorganise the events.
She said: “Credit isreally due to all thepupils who really gotinvolved and raised agreat deal of money, notonly for the localarea, but forimportant charitiesas well. Theyreally got intospirit of thingsand thanks is alsodue to theirparents.”
Primarypupilsraisefunds
Grant scheme boosts
confidence
Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley is pictured outside new Burslem women’s outfitters What WomenWant with its co-owner Karen Barnett. The shop has benefitted from a THI grant towards its signage.
10 T H E A N G E L
The Angel p10 25/9/08 16:47 Page 1
T H E A N G E L 11
Port Vale Chairman Bill Bratt joins a
community walk onthe Greenway at
Burslem. Pictured farleft is the Project
DevelopmentManager PatWhitehouse.
Community walks...
Accentuating the
NEW businesses are set
to move into the latest
live-work units at the
heart of Burslem’s Creative
Quarter.
Two shops and three flats
have been let in the former
Cliffe’s Fashion building,
bringing a music development
business, designer, film
producer, artist and illustrator
to work in the Mother Town.
Housing and regeneration
agency Midland Heart has
driven forward the programme
to transform Queen Street
into a focal point for creative
young people looking to start
out in business.
In total, 17 new units have
been created, funded by the
Housing Corporation, North
Staffordshire Regeneration
Zone, Advantage West
Midlands and the Townscape
Heritage Initiative (THI).
Midland Heart Regeneration
Manager John Webbe said:
“Interest in the new units has
been high. It’s exciting to
attract others to what is fast
becoming a centre for new
creative businesses in North
Staffordshire.
“The new occupiers of the
live-work units are creative
businesses new to Burslem.
“The final three units in
Queen Street are also
attracting a great deal of
interest and we are hoping to
be able to make an
announcement on those in
the near future.”
Two of the tenants of the latest phase ofthe Queen Street live-work units areceramic artist Alex Shimwell, and KarenSayle, a photographer and animator. Theyare pictured at the rear of the new units.
creativecreativecreativecreativecreativecreativecreativecreativecreative
FIVE new community walks around theBurslem area have been put together tohelp people improve their fitness bybecoming more active.
The Closer to Home series of circularwalks was launched in Burslem beforebeing rolled out across the Potteries.Funded by the city’s Primary Care Trust, thefive walks in the Mother Town area areeasy to follow and mainly use the parksand greenways to encourage use of openspace.
Project Development Manager PatWhitehouse said the walks had been drawnup to allow people to step outside theirfront door and be close to one of the routes.
She said: “The walks are a great way toenjoy some fresh air, take some exerciseand even find out a little bit about Stoke-on-Trent.”
The five walks around the Burslem areaare: Central Forest Park to Port Vale; MillHill and Stanfields; Ford Green Hall andChatterley Whitfield; Birches Head and
Northwood and Westport Lake and NatureReserves. Leaflets produced as guides tothe walks give information about wildlife,the environment and the area’s history.
Information is also available at libraries,museums, tourist information centres, thecivic centre, GP surgeries and Dimensionsleisure centre. For more information aboutthe walks, or on becoming a walk leader,please telephone Pat Whitehouse on 01782831900. Pat is based at the Vale ParkEnterprise Centre.
...a big step in the right direction
The Angel p11 25/9/08 16:37 Page 1
AS the Olympic flag flies proudly
over Burslem, a call is being
made to boost expenditure on
sporting facilities in the town. MP Joan
Walley is campaigning for everyone in
the area involved in health promotion
and sport to work together as a virtual
“Sports Village” to boost spending on
keep-fit amenities.
She has studied similar initiatives in
others areas of the UK, such as Telford
where the local college and football club
have teamed up to upgrade their respective
sporting facilities.
Joan’s call comes as Dimensions leisure
centre has been chosen as one of the few
sites in Britain to mark the hand-over from
Beijing by flying the Olympic flag until the
2012 Games are held in London.
She said: “We should use the Olympic
spirit in order to make it easier for people
to access sporting and keep-fit activities
close to home at grass roots level.”
Joan, who is Vice-Chair of the Burslem
Regeneration Company Board, is working closely
with Councillor Debra Gratton, the City Council
portfolio holder for Sports and Leisure in order
to incorporate the concept of the “Sports
Village” in planning the future
of the city’s sports facilities.
She added: “The idea would
be for everyone from the NHS
Primary Care Trust and the City
Council to Dimensions, Port
Vale Football Club, Burslem
Gymnastics Club and anyone
else concerned with sport or
health promotion in the area to
look at what they offer at the
moment and come together so
they can be more effective in
sourcing funding to achieve
improvements.”
Meanwhile, a project called
Stadium Legends is bringing
together the generations through
Haywood High School media
pupils, Age Concern and
residents from Bradeley Village to
make a presentation on the role
that Port Vale FC has played in
the community in the past, while
also looking at the future of the
club and how it could support the
concept of a Sports Village.
The Angel is produced on behalf of Burslem Regeneration Company by Smith Davis Press
Flying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagFlying the flagCall for creationof ‘virtual’ SportsVillage to reflectOlympic spirit
Lord Mayor Derek Capey, Stoke-on-Trent North
MP Joan Walley, right, and City Councillor Debra
Gratton, portfolio holder for Sports and Leisure,
hold aloft medals which commemorated the
raising of the Olympic flag at Dimensions.
Jenna Dimiceli, aged 13,
proudly waves the Olympic flag
prior to a special ceremony at
Dimensions when Stoke-on-Trent Lord
Mayor Roy Capey raised the Olympic
standard in Burslem for the first time.
The Angel p12 25/9/08 17:08 Page 1