The Angel – Issue 1, Summer 2006

the

ANGEL

AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS ISSUE 1 Summer 2006

Robbie’s message to his beloved home town EXCLUSIVE

Time for talking is over... now for

action HE Burslem Regeneration Company is coming of age. The days of making Master Plans have come to a successful conclusion and it is time to move forward and grow.

At a personal level I have never had much time for those who would like to use the BRC as a platform for making speeches.

There are many people working hard for Burslem and its community. Burslem has no need of more pubs or more low-grade supermarkets.

It is looking for new pounds to come into the town to be spent locally and dispersed within the local community and into new jobs.

New pounds bring new opportunities and new jobs. The ceramic tourists coming to the Mother Town of the Potteries should have facilities to welcome them and facilities to encourage them to stay. Burslem still has 11

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By Hugh Edwards, Chairman of The Burslem Regeneration Company

ceramic companies operating within its boundaries of which five have an international reputation.

We ignore them at our peril.

Those with property have a solemn responsibility to deal with it wisely and not as a commodity to be disposed of as quickly as possible simply because that is easy and convenient.

Property has to be renovated and developed in a way that attracts new pounds. That also happens to be the sensible way of investing public money.

To invest in facilities for which there is no

demand is to fritter away cash in one of the most irresponsible ways possible.

The motto for all of us has to be: “What is best for Burslem is best for me.” Nothing happens in this world unless you make it.

Equally, everything you cause to happen must be economically and socially sustainable. Burslem is not dead. Indeed, it is much more lively than some people would like to think.

Let’s work together

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley with Tony Hawkhead, Chief Executive of Groundwork UK, pictured at Burslem Park where the organisation have carried out improvement projects.

SEE PAGE SEVEN – GROUNDWORK ON HAND FOR REGENERATION. 2 THE ANGEL

STOKE-ON-TRENT North MP Joan Walley believes the “pieces of the jigsaw” are coming together for Burslem.

Joan, a Director of the Regeneration Company, points to years of behind the scenes work laying the foundations for action that is now creating the visible regeneration of the town.

She said: “We have a marvellous window of opportunity which we must grasp. The groundwork has been painstakingly done to trigger the funding and development which will create a new and vibrant local centre in keeping with the spirit and heritage of the Mother Town.

“It cannot be the same as the past but there is an exciting vision for the future that will make Burslem a unique place in North Staffordshire and beyond – a great place to live and visit.”

But Joan – who has campaigned for Burslem at Westminster for almost 19 years – warned about dangers of people “ploughing their own furrows”.

She said: “There is already much happening in and around Burslem which will contribute to its regeneration. But the time has come for everyone to work together and look at the bigger picture.

“There is no doubt Burslem is changing – and there’s no doubt it is for the better.”

ROBBIE SENDS GOOD LUCK MESSAGE FOR BURSLEM

the

mother town is in my heart

I’m loving Angels instead...

THE Golden Angel watches over Burslem from the highest point in the town on top of the old Victorian town hall.

She was commissioned and put in this place of honour in the mid-19th Century as a symbol of the Mother Town’s commercial prosperity and global excellence in the pottery industry.

According to legend as long as the angel guards her people their well-

being is assured. Four years ago her precious gold leaf exterior was painstakingly restored to preserve her as a talisman for future generations. She has now been adopted as an image of Burslem’s resurgence – and a title for the Regeneration Company’s newsletter.

As a young boy Robbie was fascinated by the gleaming angel which looks over her domain like a celestial guardian.

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Polishing Potteries’ hidden gem MORE than £4.5 million has been invested into the future of Burslem by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, one of the organisations helping to fund areas of greatest need.

The Regeneration Zone has already funded projects such as the Burslem Enterprise Centre, Live/Work units at 7-11 Queen Street and the Burslem Construction Centre.

A further £4.5 million is planned for the next three years, including refurbishment of the Wedgwood Institute, projects to improve the physical appearance of town centre buildings and a number of property acquisitions.

Aktar Choudhury, Chief Executive of the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, said: “Burslem is a hidden gem of the Potteries.

“It is home to some fantastic architecture and heritage, which could hold terrific tourism value.

“An investment plan is now in place to bring these vacant historic buildings back into use and improve the image of the town centre through major public realm works.”

Alternative skills for life TEENAGERS on a course to improve their career and training prospects are giving a facelift to key areas of Burslem.

Youngsters aged between 14 and 19 – some of whom have left education – have signed up for the new project run by training provider Alternative Skills for Life (AS4L) to spruce up Burslem Park and tackle graffiti in the town.

They will begin the 12-week course by giving a new look to the scheme’s base at Burslem Lodge. They will also learn about healthy lifestyles.

4 THE ANGEL

Residents give

thumbs up to RENEW project A

MAJOR makeover for houses on two “gateway” routes into Burslem has been successfully completed by RENEW North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The Government-funded project centred on Hamil Road and Park Road has dramatically improved the external appearance of properties in need of repair.

Repairs included new roofing, guttering and down pipes, as well as replacement doors and windows and repairs to walling.

At the same time the Council has improved the environment around the houses with better street lighting and traffic calming measures.

Renovation to houses was carried out at no cost to the residents – providing they do not sell their properties within the next five years, or in the case of landlord-owned houses the properties are rented for a minimum of five years.

The improvements have been given the thumbs up by residents. Margaret Bradbury, of Park Road, was delighted with her new roof, gutters and downpipes, repairs to a side boundary wall, two new windows and a back door.

She said: “I can’t fault the workmen - nothing was too much trouble for them. They even painted the railings on the front wall. It has definitely made the whole street look better and must have added thousands to the value of the property.”

Claire Mitchell, a Project Officer with the North Team of the City Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Team – one of RENEW North Staffordshire’s partners in the Housing Market Renewal Programme – said: “Every effort was made to ensure that improvements such as new windows and doors

Ken and Margaret Bradbury pictured outside their terraced home in Park Road which has had external improvements as part of RENEW’s “gateway” routes project. were in keeping with the character of the older properties.

“The project was designed to improve the external appearance of these two streets in Burslem in order to improve house values and attract more residents and potential businesses to the area as part of Burslem’s regeneration.”

In addition, children at Moorpark Primary School in Burslem are preparing to paint a mural outside their school as part of a project to inject pride into their neighbourhood. The youngsters have designed a Lowry-style landscape of the

their town and the grave of the reputed witch Molly Leigh.

Children also produced a design for the gate that will show the name of the school and its distinctive tower.

■ Staffordshire Housing Association will also be working with the RENEW regeneration programme with projects to improve the environment of residential communities in the town. The Association will consult with residents and keep them informed on progress. For more information contact Heather Rowley at the Association on 01782 572258.

The magnificent facade of The Wedgwood Institute.

Restoration of

a treasure NE of Burslem’s architectural treasures has been earmarked for a £5.4 million restoration.

The Wedgwood Institute, which was designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father John Lockwood Kipling and Robert Edgar in the 1860’s and is Grade II* listed, is only partly used by the library, with the majority of the building in need of restoration.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has drawn up a blueprint to expand the library facilities, transform vacant areas into 17 office units and restore the 40seat community lecture theatre.

A total of 1,600 square metres will be brought back into use and around 60 jobs will be created by the development which is being described as a “landmark” for the town.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which owns the building, has applied for funding to regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Europe and have added nearly £1 million to the pot themselves. If funding is successful, work could begin in November 2006 and be completed by August 2008.

Stoke-on-Trent Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “This is a key project in the regeneration of Burslem which will create a real focal point for business people and residents alike.

“More than 1,600 square metres of floor space will be transformed, and is just part of the city’s wider renewal.”

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A statue of the great master potter Josiah Wedgwood looks down on Queen Street from The Wedgwood Institute building.

Get set for this year’s Festival BUMPER Burslem Arts Festival events are set to showcase the Mother Town’s creative tradition to thousands of visitors.

Monday May 29 will see competitions, street entertainers and live music as well as arts and crafts stalls, open artist’s studios, food stalls, live music, history talks, a community hub and a beer festival.

Angela Hassall from the Burslem Arts Festival Group said: “We are building on our success of the festival held in December 2005.

“We recognised after that festival the people of Burslem wanted an event of quality that celebrated the local talent housed in their community. This years’ event promises to be just as big and will also incorporate workshops for local children.

“We are encouraging all the local community to support this initiative and turn up on the day. It promises to be a fun filled occasion with plenty of events for children and adults.”

For more information contact 0870 6260023_or email festival@jellifish.co.uk THE ANGEL 5

Groundwork on hand for regeneration

The changing face of Burslem – home building work is moving apace at Sadlers Park.

Countryside Properties Sales Negotiator Julie Owen and Assistant Site Manager Peter Jones at the Sadlers Park homes development site.

New homes are bringing people

back to town H

A luxury kitchen at a showhome at Hadderidge Gardens.

Pochin Homes Sales Consultant Karen Redfern at the Hadderidge Gardens homes development.

6 THE ANGEL

John Coupland said: UNDREDS of new “We aim to attract a modern homes are diverse spread of attracting residents people back to live in to Burslem and providing Burslem and play an a major shot in the arm important part in the to the town’s economy. town’s regeneration.

Families, couples and “Our approach is to single people moving into provide innovative the stylish properties are housing solutions and enjoying the benefits of Hadderidge Gardens is attractive homes within already attracting lots walking centre of all the Bryan Carnes, Chief of interest from single town’s amenities.

Executive of North people, couples and And the prospect of so Staffordshire Chamber of families. many new Boslemites is Commerce and Industry – “The quality of these expected to lever in “New homes are a shot developments bring a massive new investment in the arm for Burslem.” trendy way of living to to bring even more Burslem which will restaurants, bars and change the town’s future. The homes leisure facilities to the town centre to are the same quality and designs as serve its new inhabitants. those being snapped up in modern city 21st century properties being centres like Leeds, Birmingham and marketed by Countryside Properties Manchester, but at much more and Pochin Homes bring modern city attractive prices.” centre living to Burslem at Sadlers Michaela Lancashire, Sales Director Park, Westport Road, and Hadderidge of Countryside Properties (Northern) Gardens, just off the Burslem bypass – said: “Countryside Properties both built on former potbank sites. specialises in urban regeneration and Both developments include a lively has been responsible for some of the mix of family homes, apartments and UK’s most successful developments live/work units for the growing number and regeneration projects. of people based at home who might “Sadlers Park will form a major part work on the road. of the multi-million pound The sites have been designed to transformation of one of Stoke-oncreate attractive new gateways into the Trent’s most charming and historic Mother Town. towns.

Pochin Homes Managing Director

Urban living in style – the lounge of a showhome at Hadderidge Gardens, Burslem.

“The properties within Sadlers Park have been carefully designed to achieve a perfect balance between the traditional architecture of the area and contemporary elegance, creating attractive and modern homes which will enhance the character of Burslem and become part of a vibrant and successful new community.

“We are pleased to have sold more than 50 per cent of the initial phase release and believe that the scheme will act as a beacon for the town’s future prosperity.”

With more housing developments

planned for a large site at Bourne’s Bank, thousands of new residents will boost Burslem into an exciting new era.

Bryan Carnes, Chief Executive of North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Hundreds of new residents moving into quality homes in the town centre will be a real shot in the arm for Burslem’s economy.

“New residents will mean investment in the town in leisure facilities and retail outlets – this will inevitably create jobs and see Burslem returning to the vibrant town of yesteryear.” ■

LEADING regeneration charity Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent is literally on the spot to make a valuable contribution towards the transformation of Burslem.

Last year the organisation relocated to Albany Works, a former pottery manufacturing site in Moorland Road, Burslem.

The derelict 34,000 square feet complex has been given a new lease of life as Groundwork’s Enterprise Centre thanks to a £400,000 redevelopment.

As well as a base for the 50-plus Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent staff, the Centre provides specialist training programmes for young longterm unemployed people and self-contained small business units.

Up to 600 young people a year are being trained in landscaping and construction skills, and they have helped to build the Albany Works facilities they use. Around 70 per cent of the trainees go on to find permanent employment in the construction industry – and many of them will be using their much needed crafts to help re-shape Burslem.

The site includes 18 low rent business units for enterprises as diverse as a clothing company and a books business. Former site owners BHW Ceramics use a suite of units as a research and development base even though their ceramic production has been moved to China.

All units have so far been let as soon as becoming available, and others are being developed to meet demand. Tenants have business support facilities such as reception staff and advice on IT and human resources issues.

The purpose-built units have also attracted voluntary sector and community organisations like Masqueraders, a local organisation that involves people with disabilities in theatrical productions. Their premises at the Groundwork Enterprise Centre are used to design and build stage props and hold rehearsals.

In addition the Centre is a base for other programmes provided by Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent for young people, like the Environmental Task Force that has carried out landscaping and improvement work in Burslem and Cobridge parks.

Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent’s Executive Director Jon Cotgreave, who is also a member of the Burslem Regeneration Company’s board of directors, said: “As a major regeneration charity, we are thrilled to be so closely situated and involved with what is happening in Burslem.

“Our training programmes are helping to address the local and national shortage of construction skills that will be needed for the regeneration of the area.

“In addition, the business units created on our site are benefiting the local economy and creating new jobs, which is another positive contribution to the regeneration of Burslem.”

THE ANGEL 7

Groundwork on hand for regeneration

The changing face of Burslem – home building work is moving apace at Sadlers Park.

Countryside Properties Sales Negotiator Julie Owen and Assistant Site Manager Peter Jones at the Sadlers Park homes development site.

New homes are bringing people

back to town H

A luxury kitchen at a showhome at Hadderidge Gardens.

Pochin Homes Sales Consultant Karen Redfern at the Hadderidge Gardens homes development.

6 THE ANGEL

John Coupland said: UNDREDS of new “We aim to attract a modern homes are diverse spread of attracting residents people back to live in to Burslem and providing Burslem and play an a major shot in the arm important part in the to the town’s economy. town’s regeneration.

Families, couples and “Our approach is to single people moving into provide innovative the stylish properties are housing solutions and enjoying the benefits of Hadderidge Gardens is attractive homes within already attracting lots walking centre of all the Bryan Carnes, Chief of interest from single town’s amenities.

Executive of North people, couples and And the prospect of so Staffordshire Chamber of families. many new Boslemites is Commerce and Industry – “The quality of these expected to lever in “New homes are a shot developments bring a massive new investment in the arm for Burslem.” trendy way of living to to bring even more Burslem which will restaurants, bars and change the town’s future. The homes leisure facilities to the town centre to are the same quality and designs as serve its new inhabitants. those being snapped up in modern city 21st century properties being centres like Leeds, Birmingham and marketed by Countryside Properties Manchester, but at much more and Pochin Homes bring modern city attractive prices.” centre living to Burslem at Sadlers Michaela Lancashire, Sales Director Park, Westport Road, and Hadderidge of Countryside Properties (Northern) Gardens, just off the Burslem bypass – said: “Countryside Properties both built on former potbank sites. specialises in urban regeneration and Both developments include a lively has been responsible for some of the mix of family homes, apartments and UK’s most successful developments live/work units for the growing number and regeneration projects. of people based at home who might “Sadlers Park will form a major part work on the road. of the multi-million pound The sites have been designed to transformation of one of Stoke-oncreate attractive new gateways into the Trent’s most charming and historic Mother Town. towns.

Pochin Homes Managing Director

Urban living in style – the lounge of a showhome at Hadderidge Gardens, Burslem.

“The properties within Sadlers Park have been carefully designed to achieve a perfect balance between the traditional architecture of the area and contemporary elegance, creating attractive and modern homes which will enhance the character of Burslem and become part of a vibrant and successful new community.

“We are pleased to have sold more than 50 per cent of the initial phase release and believe that the scheme will act as a beacon for the town’s future prosperity.”

With more housing developments

planned for a large site at Bourne’s Bank, thousands of new residents will boost Burslem into an exciting new era.

Bryan Carnes, Chief Executive of North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Hundreds of new residents moving into quality homes in the town centre will be a real shot in the arm for Burslem’s economy.

“New residents will mean investment in the town in leisure facilities and retail outlets – this will inevitably create jobs and see Burslem returning to the vibrant town of yesteryear.” ■

LEADING regeneration charity Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent is literally on the spot to make a valuable contribution towards the transformation of Burslem.

Last year the organisation relocated to Albany Works, a former pottery manufacturing site in Moorland Road, Burslem.

The derelict 34,000 square feet complex has been given a new lease of life as Groundwork’s Enterprise Centre thanks to a £400,000 redevelopment.

As well as a base for the 50-plus Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent staff, the Centre provides specialist training programmes for young longterm unemployed people and self-contained small business units.

Up to 600 young people a year are being trained in landscaping and construction skills, and they have helped to build the Albany Works facilities they use. Around 70 per cent of the trainees go on to find permanent employment in the construction industry – and many of them will be using their much needed crafts to help re-shape Burslem.

The site includes 18 low rent business units for enterprises as diverse as a clothing company and a books business. Former site owners BHW Ceramics use a suite of units as a research and development base even though their ceramic production has been moved to China.

All units have so far been let as soon as becoming available, and others are being developed to meet demand. Tenants have business support facilities such as reception staff and advice on IT and human resources issues.

The purpose-built units have also attracted voluntary sector and community organisations like Masqueraders, a local organisation that involves people with disabilities in theatrical productions. Their premises at the Groundwork Enterprise Centre are used to design and build stage props and hold rehearsals.

In addition the Centre is a base for other programmes provided by Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent for young people, like the Environmental Task Force that has carried out landscaping and improvement work in Burslem and Cobridge parks.

Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent’s Executive Director Jon Cotgreave, who is also a member of the Burslem Regeneration Company’s board of directors, said: “As a major regeneration charity, we are thrilled to be so closely situated and involved with what is happening in Burslem.

“Our training programmes are helping to address the local and national shortage of construction skills that will be needed for the regeneration of the area.

“In addition, the business units created on our site are benefiting the local economy and creating new jobs, which is another positive contribution to the regeneration of Burslem.”

THE ANGEL 7

Picture courtesy of Christopher Taylor Design of Leek.

URSLEM’S own “Docklands” development on the site of the old branch canal at Middleport is seen as a vital part of the regeneration of the Mother Town.

The £10.5 million Burslem Port Project will make the restored waterway the catalyst for a thriving community, with good quality housing, leisure facilities, new businesses and local shops and services.

At the moment the canal arm is dried up wasteland, but the plan is to fill it with water once again in order to “irrigate” the transformation of Middleport within the next five years.

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Creation of

A computer generated concept image of one idea of what the planned Burslem Port might look like.

canal port

is exciting catalyst

Exciting proposals include: ■ Creating a mooring basin to provide a safe haven and base for people who visit the city by boat, and provision of long term moorings.

■ Converting the Mersey Weaver Wharf and Warehouse into a community centre.

■ A craft centre, plus employment zone around

The dried up Burslem branch canal which could become a mooring basin for the Burslem Port.

Navigation Road, with businesses like boat building and repairs and opportunities for traditional canalside craft and boat furniture making.

■ Providing residential boat moorings for people who want to live on water and be part of the Port area’s vibrant and mixed community.

■ Opening up the wet lands between Middleport and Cobridge as natural parkland with views of Rogerson’s Meadow.

All this activity will increase the value of land in the area, making it attractive for the development of high quality housing served by amenities like local shops, hairdressers, a post office and medical centre.

David Dumbelton, Project Officer for Burslem Port Project,

which is working in partnership with bodies such as Renew North Staffordshire, British Waterways and the City Council, said: “The canal link with the Trent and Mersey Canal was the key to Burslem’s prosperity when it was opened in 1805, to bring in raw materials for the pottery industry and take away finished ware.

“Now it is to play a major role in the area’s economy once again by attracting new residents, visitors and businesses who will have a positive impact on Burslem town centre as well as the local Middleport community.”

Hardial Bhogal, Director of Renew North Staffordshire, said: “The Burslem canal arm will play a fundamental role in attracting new housing development and making Middleport and Burslem an attractive and desirable place to live.”

Building for the future on

firm foundations HE £5 million John Seddon Building Technology Centre at Stoke on Trent College is helping to lay firm foundations for the regeneration of Burslem.

The purpose-built centre is designed to equip people with the construction skills needed for regeneration projects in North Staffordshire like the one that is heralding a new renaissance for the Mother Town of the Potteries.

And fittingly, the superb state-of-the-art facility, which has coveted Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status, is located on the College’s Burslem campus just a short distance from where a lot of the regeneration work is being carried out.

The College’s CoVE rating covers the key construction areas of brickwork, wood skills, painting and decorating, electrical installation, gas installation and plumbing.

More than 3,000 students use the Centre which is equipped with the latest multi-media technology and interactive resources.

Students also receive practical “hands-on” training to prepare them for the rapidly changing demands of the construction

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industry and help reduce the skills shortage in the area.

The John Seddon Building Technology Centre has been funded by Advantage West Midlands, the Learning and Skills Council and Stoke on Trent College. The College has also established a facility at industrial units in nearby Lingard Street to develop plastering skills – of which there is a serious shortage in the region – and train site operatives in groundwork skills like laying foundations and drainage systems.

The Lingard Street unit will also be opening its doors in September to pupils aged 14-plus from all the city’s high schools as a Schools Links scheme to give young people a “hands on” insight into construction as a worthwhile career.

Ken Burgess, Head of the Faculty of Engineering and Construction, who is responsible for running the Building Technology Centre, said: “We are helping to provide the skills required by today’s construction industry for much of the new build and refurbishment work that is being carried out as part of the regeneration of Burslem.”

First year carpentry and joinery students Andrew Gratton, foreground, and Simon Harris learn how to build a roof at one of the specialist workshops at CoVE in Burslem.

Pedestrian-friendly environment BURSLEM will be a great place to shop, thanks to a £2 million traffic management scheme that will make it much easier for pedestrians to move around the town centre.

Work is expected to start in the summer of 2007 on the scheme that will remove through traffic which at present runs between Newcastle Street to Moorland Road. Instead this traffic will be re-routed via improved junctions on Woodbank Street, the A50, Federation Road and Westport Road. Buses and emergency services will be given priority and will still be able to access through Market Place.

At the same time additional short-term

parking for shoppers will be provided in Market Place with access to the A50, and St John’s Square will be re-configured in order to double the present number of parking spaces.

In addition the whole area will be repaved, with wider pavements, using high quality paving materials such as those previously used around Ceramica.

The improvements could also bring the traditional Friday market, now held in Queen Street, into Market Place, and the statue of Henry Doulton will be given a more prominent position on a featured plinth outside the Town Hall.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “ The

planned works are an important part of the overall plan for the regeneration of Burslem. The change to traffic flow is designed to make the town centre a pedestrian-friendly environment which will attract people and encourage the growth of speciality shops, restaurants and other high-quality facilities.”

■ Stoke-on-Trent City Council is also seeking £100,000 through the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone’s SRB6 Programme to create a Burslem Heritage Trail, provide a summer hanging baskets display and to install four eye-catching gateway signs that will welcome visitors to the town.

THE ANGEL 9

Changing townscape is plain for all to see THE timetable for much of the regeneration work in Burslem is set by the Delivery Plan, a schedule for short and medium term projects.

Some of the schedule takes the form of plans, studies or appraisals so the public may not be aware of these behind-the-scenes activities. However, a walk around the centre of Burslem soon makes it apparent that change is happening.

Scheduled projects that have been completed include refurbishment of numbers 22/30 Queen Street – vacant shops that have been given a new lease of life as jobcreating studio workplaces – and improved paving on Market Place North.

Projects spearheaded by Touchstone – part of the Midland Heart Housing Group – include the recently completed 7/11 Queen Street (refurbished shop) to create six live work units on the upper floors with three studio units on the ground floor.

In addition, Touchstone are also acquiring 13/15 Queen Street to provide space for fledgling businesses with upper floor accommodation.

As well as the Delivery Plan projects, new high quality housing developments are taking shape at Greenhead Street and Navigation Road.

Meanwhile clearance of the Bournes Bank is underway in readiness for further town centre housing development.

There are other examples of regeneration activity in the pipeline – such as a project to turn the Swan Bank Methodist Church Sunday School into a faith-based community centre.

10 T H E A N G E L

Dynamic vision

takes shape HE vision of what a revitalised Burslem will be like in less than four years’ time is becoming a reality. Dynamic changes and developments listed in the pages of the Burslem Masterplan and Urban Design Action Plan – the blueprint for the regeneration of the Mother Town – are already taking shape on the ground.

The Plan, produced by The Burslem Regeneration Company, was published in 2004. It is a long term strategy to turn around Burslem’s fortunes and once again make it a thriving hub of business enterprise, creative energy and a place where people want to live and visit.

The Plan details priorities for the programme to transform the town by the year 2010. Its aims are summed up by the following mission statement: “The renewal of Burslem will be driven by celebrating Burslem’s internationally important industrial, social and literary heritage through contemporary ceramics industries and thriving

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tourism, promoting design excellence and creating a high quality environment in which people live and work.”

Many of the regeneration projects in the Master Plan focus on the town centre. For instance, there are plans to open up the Wedgwood Institute for public, cultural and visual arts while retaining the public library.

Stoke-on-Trent Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “The Master Plan is designed to improve the town centre, while bringing vacant buildings back into use to generate new jobs.

“High quality houses will help create a vibrant town centre with residents only two minutes walk away. “ At the same time we are regenerating the artistic and creative heritage of Burslem, in the tradition of the Pottery Barons who first established public amenities like the School of Art and the Wedgwood Institute.”

Stoke-on-Trent Elected Mayor Mark Meredith, centre, views new studios in Queen Street for design and hi-tech businesses. With him are Andrew James, left, Regeneration Project Manager for North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, and Kevin Birks, Project Co-ordinator – Burslem Regeneration Company.

Landlords urged to smarten properties THE Chamber of Trade in Burslem is urging landlords to make their properties more attractive to buyers and tenants in a bid to attract more businesses into the town.

Members of the chamber say they want to reduce the number of vacant shops.

They have asked the City Council to contact

absentee landlords and advise them that grants of up to 90 per cent are available towards the cost of any improvements as the town lies in a conservation area.

Chamber chairman Howard Latham said: “We hope the initiative will attract new tenants into Burslem, boosting trade and the local economy.”

Pit disaster memorial planned

Arnold Bennett’s grandson Denis Eldin meets Arnold Bennett Society Chairman John Shapcott at the town’s George Hotel.

Literary heritage of

old Bursley HE much-anticipated regeneration of Burslem would surely bring an approving smile to the face of one of its most staunch ambassadors – the famous Potteries author Arnold Bennett.

So it is timely that this new chapter of prosperity for the Mother Town – know affectionately as Bursley in his books – should also coincide with the renaissance of the great man’s literary works.

Author, journalist, playwright and talented artist Bennett was voted the Midlands most famous writer earlier this year – beating the likes of William Shakespeare and The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien to the top spot.

And the flamboyant man of many talents who died in 1931 is stirring interest in a new generation of fans who want to learn more about him and read his entertaining fictional accounts of life in the Potteries.

Many of his lesser-known novels are now being put back into print by local publisher Churnet Valley Books. Helen With The High Hand and Leonara have appeared on the shelves within the last year and The Regent, the sequel to The Card, is due out this Spring.

The opening of the new Arnold Bennett display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, in Hanley, also received major recognition in March and put some of his lesser known talents – such as water colour painting – under the spotlight.

Back in Burslem, the wordsmith’s revival is also

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having a positive knock-on effect on the town.

A Christmas show of his works will be hosted by Ceramica and The Arnold Bennett Society are to hold a series of talks about his life and times.

A new Bursley Trail leaflet, to guide visitors around Bennett’s fictional locations in Burslem, is also set to stimulate interest and draw in tourists.

Carol Gorton, Secretary of the Arnold Bennett Society said: “Bennett’s books are in a sense the cultural side of the economic regeneration which is now in full swing in Burslem and across North Staffordshire. Anyone doubting the extent of his contribution to the profile of the county should visit the exhibitions at Ceramica and the Potteries Museum or walk the Bursley Trail.”

Perhaps the best person to sum up the link between Bennett and Burslem is his grandson, Denis Eldin.

Denis, from the South of France – where his grandfather lived out his twilight years – visited Stoke-on-Trent to attend the opening of the Potteries Museum exhibition before attending the Arnold Bennett Society’s Annual Dinner at The George Hotel in Burslem.

He said: “My grandfather loved this area. It was in his heart. Anyone who reads his books can see this. Having seen first hand what is happening in Burslem and Stoke-on-Trent in general he would be proud to see what is being done to restore it to its former glory.”

A LASTING memorial to 57 miners who lost their lives in a terrible pit disaster deep beneath Burslem could be in place this summer.

In 1942, staff at Sneyd Pit broke an old superstition about working on New Years Day because coal was needed for the war effort.

At 7.50am that day a massive explosion ripped through the pit 800 yards below the ground. It took eight days for rescuers to remove the bodies while relatives waited anxiously for news at the pit entrance.

Now, plans for a pit wheel memorial inscribed with the miners names have been submitted and work could begin in June.

Former miner Keith Meeson, who is leading the project, said: “We have agreed a site near Ceramica and are confident it will be going ahead. We must never forget these brave men, but a proper memorial has been overlooked until now.”

Marathon lecture BURSLEM historian Fred Hughes is aiming for a place in the record books with a 12 hour lecture on the Mother Town’s rich history.

Fred will deliver a dozen enthralling hour-long talks, one after the other, during the Burslem Arts and Crafts Festival on May 29th.

Subjects range from The Pubs of Burslem to The Chartist Riot of 1842, and visitors will be able to support Fred at the Ceramic shop, from 9am to 9pm.

The marathon talk will be officially timed and a record submitted to the Guinness Book of Records for possible inclusion.

T H E A N G E L 11

Lorne Street project is win-win for Vale and council

A

£2.25 million loan is helping Port Vale to reach its goal to become one of the UK’s leading community football clubs – and drive forward the regeneration of Burslem.

The loan from Stoke-on-Trent City Council will enable the completion of the Lorne Street stand and fund an action plan for the extension of community facilities at Vale Park.

Among the ideas being discussed is the provision of a pioneering children’s centre to support families in the Burslem area.

A detailed community plan is being designed and also includes proposals to site a national autism and asperger resource centre in the Lorne Street development. City councillors will discuss the club’s community plans to make sure they fit with Vale Chairman Bill Bratt and Jan Williams, a patron of the North Staffordshire Asperger/Autism the wider plans for the area and Association, look at plans to house a resource centre for the charity at Vale Park. that they meet the needs of local people.

The centre for the North Staffordshire Asperger/Autism Association (NSAAA) – a charity supported by Vale’s biggest shareholder, pop superstar Robbie Williams – would create a centre of excellence for the treatment of the condition and support for families.

Main construction work city – said: “The loan to Vale is not just on the stand is expected to start in based on commercial issues. autumn with a completion date for the “It will strengthen the club’s position whole development within 18 months. as part of the regeneration of the Vale Chairman Bill Bratt said: “It’s Burslem and Middleport areas as a great news for Port Vale and the City Council and it’s 10-nil for the community. whole.

“It is a win-win situation for Port Vale, “It is a ground-breaking partnership the Burslem communities and the City which focuses on what we can give to Council and it sends out a positive the communities we both serve. message for potential investors that we “We have always wanted to see Vale are all backing this regeneration.”

Park used seven days a week for Jan Williams – Robbie’s mum and maximum community benefit and this patron of the NSAAA – said: “Vale’s concept has been welcomed by top plans are innovative and exciting. regeneration consultants looking at the “The stadium would make an ideal wider picture for Burslem.” site for our centre of excellence Stoke-on-Trent’s Elected Mayor Mark especially as there could be Meredith – an enthusiastic champion of opportunities to share facilities with a the regeneration of Burslem as part of planned children’s centre.” the vision for transforming the whole

It’s 10-nil for the

community

What are you doing to help the regeneration of Burslem?

Please let us know about your, views, ideas and initiatives by telephoning the regeneration company office on

01782 822935 or write to Project Co-ordinator Kevin Birks at Burslem Regeneration Company, Unit 5, School of Art, Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3EJ.

A cause for celebration at Vale Park.

The Angel is produced on behalf of Burslem Regeneration Company by Smith Davis Press