the
ANGEL
AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS ISSUE 4 Spring 2007
Why top chef Rick Stein believes Burslem is the world centre for
oat-cuisine
Could this be the face of The Angel? Page five
See page six
National ceramic auction centre proposals unveiled Page three
Spring in the air as work gathers pace By Joan Walley MP Acting Chairman of The Burslem Regeneration Company SIGNS of Spring are in the air as Burslem’s regeneration continues to gather pace and more ‘seeds’ of improvement start to grow into real progress all around the town. Just as Winter turns to Spring, there are visible signs of change in the Mother Town with new growth all around us. There is a real feeling that Burslem has turned the corner, creating facilities for the future and public spaces for people to enjoy. Take Burslem Park, which is being improved to be on a par with the great parks of European cities, a place for people to meet and relax. Burslem’s regeneration is about more than bricks and mortar, and the park development embodies that spirit, with the new mosaic shaped by people’s ideas, new facilities like a picnic area and better access to help more people enjoy the green, open spaces. Elsewhere, more people are joining the regeneration efforts and it is very encouraging to see more than 100 people attend the first meeting of the Burslem Forum. Now we have plans to involve even more people in the town’s rebirth. The hunt is on for more partners passionate for Burslem, wanting change, and wanting to be part of that change. Things are gathering pace. Together we can build a great future for Burslem. Hugh Edwards, Chairman of The Burslem Regeneration Company, is away on business. 2 THE ANGEL
By George! New owners open hotel for business T HE George Hotel has reopened its doors under new ownership – and the famous Burslem landmark is set to play its part in the revival of the Mother Town. Like Burslem itself, The George has seen better times, but the new regime is determined to restore the faded glory of the town’s main residential hotel and put it at the heart of the regeneration programme. The historic 40-bedroom establishment was closed for two months after the London and Edinburgh Swallow Group went into administration. However in February a grand reopening marked a new and exciting era for the hotel which is now operated by Essexbased Quartet Hospitality Management on behalf of its new owner. Malcolm Griffiths, the new General Manager of The George, said: “The hotel is a grand old lady in need of a bit of tender loving care. I fully intend to make sure that people know The George is back in business.” Basically the new management plans to build up bookings for rooms and the hotel’s catering and hospitality facilities over the next six months – then it’s intended to embark on a major programme of refurbishment that will transform The George into one of the most prestigious hospitality venues in North Staffordshire. Shropshire-born Malcolm brings a wealth of experience to his latest challenge. For nine years he served in the RAF catering for large and demanding appetites, then he was a personal butler to a peer of the realm and after a period in contract catering joined the hotel business. Assessing the scale of his task to breathe new life into The George, Malcolm said: “I’ve taken on more difficult challenges – and succeeded in turning round the fortunes of
WELCOME TO BURSLEM... receptionist Larissa Daniels at the George Hotel – back in business and under new ownership. hotels that have become took bookings for four wedding receptions. This is just the somewhat faded.” start, but I am very optimistic He sees The George as a about the future. natural base for tourists as the “We are developing The area attracts more visitors, George at a steady pace as we while the imposing ballroom are in this for the long haul, will be a key element in not to make a fast buck. marketing the hotel for social Rooms will be re-opened as functions, wedding receptions, the business builds up. I aim business conferences and to make the hotel a focal point much more. of the town, so whenever As business builds up, more Burslem is mentioned you jobs will be created for local automatically think of The people, and the policy of the George. new owners is to support the “With all the redevelopment local economy as much as and regeneration that is going possible. For instance, The on, I see a great potential for George serves Titanic beer both Burslem and The George. brewed in Burslem and staff The hotel has a big part to play will be trained by Stoke on in the rejuvenation of this Trent College to equip them town.” with nationally recognised qualifications in catering and hotel FAYE Lacey, Deputy Manager of the management. George Hotel, serves up a plate of Burslem Malcolm oatcakes, hailed as a delectable delicacy said: “During by TV chef Rick Stein when he visited the Mother Town on his search for Britain’s my first food heroes - see page six. weekend here I
Cover picture
Plans unveiled to put market in national spotlight
An artist’s impression of the entrance to the proposed ceramic auction centre.
Joint venture partners reveal blueprint for ceramic
auction house E
XCITING proposals have been unveiled to create the UK’s first dedicated national ceramic auction house at Burslem as the centrepiece in a multimillion pound redevelopment of the Mother Town’s Victorian indoor market building. A blueprint for the scheme – which would also include a number of “sympathetic” retail outlets – has been submitted to the City Council by St Modwen Properties, who headed up North Staffordshire’s flagship developments at Festival Park and Trentham Gardens. Top-level talks have taken place between Burslem Regeneration Company, the City Council and St Modwen – and it is envisaged that one of Britain’s leading auction houses would ultimately be involved. Hugh Edwards, Chairman of Burslem Regeneration Company, has enthusiastically welcomed the plans which he believes would be a major catalyst for the economic regeneration of the town. He said: “Where better than the Mother Town of the Potteries to site a national ceramic auction house for the UK. A development of this magnitude and significance in an iconic building like the indoor market would attract tens of thousands of people a year to Burslem – that’s a lot of new pounds in the local economy.
“It would give the town a new purpose and would attract substantial additional investment and businesses.” Mr Edwards, who is also Chairman of the world-famous Moorcroft pottery company, revealed that the Burslem Regeneration Company had already had talks with leading auction houses about the feasibility of plans and their possible involvement. He added: “We are a nation of ceramic lovers – yet there is no specialist national ceramic auction house. This scheme would provide a much-needed facility in the UK which would also attract international business. If all goes well this could be up and running in 18 months time.” St Modwen Regional Director Mike Herbert said: “We are very excited about the opportunity of carrying out this development. We believe Burslem has real potential to be a niche centre. The scheme would be an important element of achieving that aim and would bring people and business into the Mother Town.” The City Council’s Executive has given officials the go-ahead to enter into negotiations with St. Modwen Properties over the development of the indoor market building, which is owned by the local authority. Head of Property Services Ian Brand said:
Above, Burslem Regeneration Company Director David Rogers and Project Co-ordinator Kevin Birks inside the historic market building. “We are now involved in discussing the details of the scheme and what needs to be done to make it a reality. The refurbishment and future use of the indoor market is key to the future regeneration of the town and we want to make sure we get it right.” Mr Brand added that when detailed terms have been agreed the next stage would be for the council to enter into a “development agreement” with St Modwen and Burslem Regeneration Company – which might be done by early summer. THE ANGEL 3
People’s mosaic in the park A colourful mosaic inspired by the people of the Mother Town is set to take pride of place in the redeveloped Burslem Park. In a special consultation exercise, people of all ages were asked what Burslem park meant to them. The ideas were given to mosaic specialist Rob Turner, whose finished work should take pride of place in the park in May as part of a wider refurbishment by the city council. Gareth Morgan, of Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, said:”The mosaic will be a colourful reflection of people’s feelings about Burslem Park. With a diameter of about 3.6metres it will certainly stand out as a landmark for everyone to see and enjoy.”
Brewery scoops awards BURSLEM’S very own brewery celebrated its 21st anniversary with a brace of awards in the Campaign for Real Ale’s West Midlands Champion Beer of the Year competition. Titanic Brewery’s stout was judged to be the Best Stout in the West Midlands for the fourth time, while the White Star brew took the bronze medal in the Premium Bitter Category... an award in which it previously scooped first prize. Titanic Managing Director Keith Bott said: “You never stop being thrilled when customers pick your beers as one of the best in any competition. The West Midlands Beer of the year was the first contest we ever won back in 1993 and it is great to know that our beers are still some of the best loved in the region.” 4 THE ANGEL
Brian Dawson, Chair of the Community Steering Group for Middleport, Burslem and Etruria Valley.
Residents help shape homes for the future R
esidents are having their say on plans to transform the area’s housing market at special community meetings. The Middleport, Burslem and Etruria Valley Community Steering Group was formed in November 2006 in response to Renew North Staffordshire’s request for volunteers to work with Inspire Developments on a housing masterplan for the area. Inspire – part of construction giant Seddon – are heavily involving the local community in negotiations on plans for Cobridge, Middleport and Burslem. RENEW North Staffordshire is responsible for the massive regeneration programme to breathe new life into the area’s housing market through major investment. The steering group holds monthly meetings at Burslem School of Art attended by the local authority, Renew, Touchstone and Burslem
Regeneration Company to discuss proposals. Chairperson of the group, Brian Dawson, said: “At the moment we are involved with all the regeneration partners in choosing a consultant who will undertake the Area Regeneration Framework. “This is an overall plan for the area and one which when completed and approved will form the basis for the masterplan exercise which will take it down to individual street level. “The group has not been formed to make decisions on behalf of the community. Our prime responsibility is to ensure that the wider community is consulted and included at every stage rather than things happening without the group’s knowledge.” A number of events are being arranged in the area to make sure the community is involved with the planning so that they reflect the needs and aspirations of individual communities.
Employees praised as pottery is saved TRIBUTES have been paid to the workforce of an historic Burslem pottery saved from closure after it was bought out of administration. Sighs of relief were breathed around the town at news that Royal Stafford had been taken over by an unnamed buyer, saving 70 jobs. The company – based at one of the
Potteries’ oldest factories – is renowned for its tableware the world over, but had fallen into difficulty as the weak dollar hit sales in the USA. Gerald Smith, corporate recovery partner at receivers RSM Robson Rhodes, said: “The workforce have worked very hard to keep things ticking over and I am pleased the business has been sold as a going concern.”
Could this be the face of The Angel? T
Keith Meeson with the stained glass panel he picked up for “30 bob” at a Middleport curio shop.
HE flowing, golden hair, clear complexion and expression of serenity truly are the face of an angel. But could the stained glass pane, pictured above, rescued from a Burslem church built almost 200 years ago, also be the face of THE Angel which watches over the Mother Town from her vantage point atop the old Town Hall? The uncanny likeness between the gilded statue and the window pane from St Paul’s Church – demolished in 1976 – is baffling local historians. The window was saved by Keith Meeson, of Stanley, when he saw the beautiful angel’s face in a Middleport curio shop and bought it “for 30 bob.” “My mother in law went to the church,” said Keith, “and I couldn’t resist buying the piece of stained glass when I with its golden angel was completed in saw it in the shop all those years ago. 1857. Fred said: “The town hall angel is “I have always been struck with how a statue of Nike, the Greek Goddess of much it resembles the face of the angel victory and a symbol of civic pride and on the old town hall – it’s a haunting achievement in Burslem. thought that there could be a link.” “When St Paul’s was demolished in Burslem-based historian Fred Hughes explained that St Paul’s Church was built the seventies most of its contents were in 1828, and the Old Town Hall, complete shipped to America where they were
sold. The window fragment is a real treasure and there is an amazing likeness between the two faces. “Of course St Paul’s church and town hall are linked, in that both were funded by civic spirited benefactors including the Davenport family from Longport.” The key to the mystery, and whether or not there is a link between the two angels, could lie with Samuel Peploe Wood – described in the 1850s as “a young, gifted Staffordshire sculptor” – who not only created the town hall angel, but also carved the reclining figures called caryatids around the building’s clock tower. Unfortunately, city archives hold no details of the model he used when he carved the statue. Keith Meeson said: “We will probably never know if the two are related and this will remain a real Burslem mystery.” ● Can you crack the mystery of the St Paul’s angel? Call The Angel newsdesk on 01782 829850.
Summer festival to showcase talents ORGANISERS of the Burslem Arts Festival are hoping the sun shines brighter on this year’s event – after moving it to the middle of summer. Despite a successful programme of events last May – attracting hundreds of visitors to the Mother Town – rainfall meant some locals stayed away.
This year, preparations are already underway for a packed schedule with demonstration artists, onstreet entertainment, a market and stage in Queen Street already confirmed. Local pottery manufacturers – like Moorcroft, Moorland and Burleigh – will be displaying their wares while
the Leopard, George Hotel and Bulls Head will be staging four days of music in the run up to the event. Amanda Bromley, Managing Director of Burslem based company Jellifish, who help to organise the festival, said: “It will now be in June in the hope that the weather will be kind – helping to
make this a really wonderful visitor attraction and showcasing the work of local artists. “We have a packed programme shaping up already and much more in the pipeline. “This event will help put Burslem on the festival map in North Staffordshire and bring tourists into the area.” THE ANGEL 5
Club and council join forces to offer pioneering one stop shop to support community
One of the gateway signs that will welcome visitors to Burslem.
Top TV chef Rick Stein – a fan of Burslem oatcakes.
Rick Stein’s taste of the Mother Town TOP TV chef Rick Stein paid homage to the mighty Potteries oatcake and told millions of viewers that the best examples of the delicacy are griddled in Burslem. A DVD box set featuring his trip to the Mother Town for the Food Heroes series is now on sale to food lovers around the globe... putting Burslem even more firmly on the map. Many Boslemites were astonished when, during the episode of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes, the renowned seafood chef drove up Newcastle Street, past the old town hall and on to one of the town’s oatcake shops for a taste of Stoke-on-Trent tradition. After eating an oatcake deliciously filled with piping hot bacon and cheese, he said: “I’ve a friend who comes from these parts and who now lives in Bristol and if you mention that you intend to travel north he asks if you could pick him up a couple of dozen oatcakes from Burslem, and it must be from Burslem, on the way back south. He yearns for them. I know what it's like for the Cornish to be deprived of proper pasties but the same yearning for a tribal food certainly applies here.” 6
THE ANGEL
Welcome to Burslem campaign Artist’s impression of the completed Lorne Street stand development at Vale Park. The children’s centre is at the bottom right.
Joan Walley MP, left, visits the site of the Port Vale children’s centre with Karen Yeomans, Corporate Director of government development agency Advantage West Midlands
Vale Park centre top of the league for families T
HE City Council and Port Vale Football Club have teamed up to provide Burslem with a groundbreaking service for children and their families. Building work has started on a new “one stop shop” Children’s Centre in the Lorne Street Stand development at Vale Park following Government approval for the project which will cost nearly £800,000. Catering for children aged from three months to five years as well as their parents, the exciting new facility brings a wide range of services under one roof and is scheduled to open its door at the beginning of April 2008. The basic aim is to give the town’s youngsters the best possible start in life – while opening up opportunities that will enrich the lives of their parents. The project has been partly funded with a £245,000 grant
Vale Chairman Bill Bratt, right, and city council Project Manager Ian Barber study plans as work on the children’s centre progresses. from the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone. The remaining cost of the project has been met by £550,000 Government funding from the Department of Education and Skills (DFES). External and enabling work such as the installation of drains and footpaths has already started on site, and the interior of the single-storey Centre will soon begin to take shape. The Centre – one of a network of five
planned across Stoke-on-Trent – will be a dedicated service for Burslem. At the moment children and their families from the town have to share facilities at the Stoke North Children’s Centre on Bishop’s Road, Chell. The new Centre will offer the following services: Early Education Integrated With Day Care – a creche for parents while they use services at the Centre; sign posting to local day care providers suitable
for working parents; support for child minders in the area; early identification of children with special needs and disabilities, plus inclusive services and support for their families. Family Support and Parental Outreach – visits to all children in the catchment area within two months of birth; access to specialist services; parenting support and information, information and advice on parenting skills at key stages; increase parents’ understanding of their child’s development; increase involvement of fathers. Child and Family Health Services – ante natal advice and support for parents; information and guidance on breast feeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety; identify, support and care for those suffering maternal depression; speech, language and other specialist support; help to stop smoking. In addition the Centre will be a community hub able to put
FAMILY SUPPORT... the Port Vale children’s centre will host a whole range of facilities like the Crescent Children’s Centre at Meir, pictured, including childcare, health and training. parents in touch with suitable childminders and out of school activities, as well as helping parents to access career and training opportunities that will give them and their families a better quality of life. Partners include head teachers and health providers have been consulted to ensure that the Centre’s services will be tailored to local needs. There will be extensive community consultation, with a series of public meetings at which floor plans of the Centre can be seen. The community will also be invited to choose the name of the Centre. Adele Eaton, Project Officer with The Early Years and Childcare Service which is developing the new children’s centres across the city, said:
“Vale Park is an ideal location as Port Vale is at the heart of the community, both geographically and symbolically. The football club have made a tremendous contribution to the project. The Children’s Centre will provide holistic support for child development, support to families with young children and will facilitate the return to work of those parents currently unemployed.” Vale Chairman Bill Bratt said: “I am delighted that enabling work has started, thanks to the North Staffs Regeneration Zone funding. This is the fruition of 18 months hard work behind the scenes. The Children’s Centre is a vital part of Port Vale’s aim to make Vale Park stadium a community venue that will be used seven days a week.”
FIVE large silver gateway signs are set to proudly proclaim: “Welcome to Burslem – Mother Town of the Potteries.” Installed at key entrances to the town, the signs are part of a major tourism campaign promoting Burslem across the Midlands. Nine large signs are being put up around the town centre to create an interesting heritage trail telling the story of Burslem’s rich history. As well as showing maps of the area, historic pictures and photographs, the boards offer quirky, little known facts about Burslem, like the fact that master potter Josiah Wedgwood had a wooden leg – his leg was amputated after he contracted smallpox. Local schoolchildren have drawn their own pictures of Burslem’s history and one of these is featured on each of the A1 boards. Tourism marketing officer Julie Obada said: “We have also produced a leaflet giving information about things to do and places to eat and drink in Burslem. “That is being distributed throughout Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and the West Midlands to promote the best of Burslem.” THE ANGEL 7
Club and council join forces to offer pioneering one stop shop to support community
One of the gateway signs that will welcome visitors to Burslem.
Top TV chef Rick Stein – a fan of Burslem oatcakes.
Rick Stein’s taste of the Mother Town TOP TV chef Rick Stein paid homage to the mighty Potteries oatcake and told millions of viewers that the best examples of the delicacy are griddled in Burslem. A DVD box set featuring his trip to the Mother Town for the Food Heroes series is now on sale to food lovers around the globe... putting Burslem even more firmly on the map. Many Boslemites were astonished when, during the episode of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes, the renowned seafood chef drove up Newcastle Street, past the old town hall and on to one of the town’s oatcake shops for a taste of Stoke-on-Trent tradition. After eating an oatcake deliciously filled with piping hot bacon and cheese, he said: “I’ve a friend who comes from these parts and who now lives in Bristol and if you mention that you intend to travel north he asks if you could pick him up a couple of dozen oatcakes from Burslem, and it must be from Burslem, on the way back south. He yearns for them. I know what it's like for the Cornish to be deprived of proper pasties but the same yearning for a tribal food certainly applies here.” 6
THE ANGEL
Welcome to Burslem campaign Artist’s impression of the completed Lorne Street stand development at Vale Park. The children’s centre is at the bottom right.
Joan Walley MP, left, visits the site of the Port Vale children’s centre with Karen Yeomans, Corporate Director of government development agency Advantage West Midlands
Vale Park centre top of the league for families T
HE City Council and Port Vale Football Club have teamed up to provide Burslem with a groundbreaking service for children and their families. Building work has started on a new “one stop shop” Children’s Centre in the Lorne Street Stand development at Vale Park following Government approval for the project which will cost nearly £800,000. Catering for children aged from three months to five years as well as their parents, the exciting new facility brings a wide range of services under one roof and is scheduled to open its door at the beginning of April 2008. The basic aim is to give the town’s youngsters the best possible start in life – while opening up opportunities that will enrich the lives of their parents. The project has been partly funded with a £245,000 grant
Vale Chairman Bill Bratt, right, and city council Project Manager Ian Barber study plans as work on the children’s centre progresses. from the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone. The remaining cost of the project has been met by £550,000 Government funding from the Department of Education and Skills (DFES). External and enabling work such as the installation of drains and footpaths has already started on site, and the interior of the single-storey Centre will soon begin to take shape. The Centre – one of a network of five
planned across Stoke-on-Trent – will be a dedicated service for Burslem. At the moment children and their families from the town have to share facilities at the Stoke North Children’s Centre on Bishop’s Road, Chell. The new Centre will offer the following services: Early Education Integrated With Day Care – a creche for parents while they use services at the Centre; sign posting to local day care providers suitable
for working parents; support for child minders in the area; early identification of children with special needs and disabilities, plus inclusive services and support for their families. Family Support and Parental Outreach – visits to all children in the catchment area within two months of birth; access to specialist services; parenting support and information, information and advice on parenting skills at key stages; increase parents’ understanding of their child’s development; increase involvement of fathers. Child and Family Health Services – ante natal advice and support for parents; information and guidance on breast feeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety; identify, support and care for those suffering maternal depression; speech, language and other specialist support; help to stop smoking. In addition the Centre will be a community hub able to put
FAMILY SUPPORT... the Port Vale children’s centre will host a whole range of facilities like the Crescent Children’s Centre at Meir, pictured, including childcare, health and training. parents in touch with suitable childminders and out of school activities, as well as helping parents to access career and training opportunities that will give them and their families a better quality of life. Partners include head teachers and health providers have been consulted to ensure that the Centre’s services will be tailored to local needs. There will be extensive community consultation, with a series of public meetings at which floor plans of the Centre can be seen. The community will also be invited to choose the name of the Centre. Adele Eaton, Project Officer with The Early Years and Childcare Service which is developing the new children’s centres across the city, said:
“Vale Park is an ideal location as Port Vale is at the heart of the community, both geographically and symbolically. The football club have made a tremendous contribution to the project. The Children’s Centre will provide holistic support for child development, support to families with young children and will facilitate the return to work of those parents currently unemployed.” Vale Chairman Bill Bratt said: “I am delighted that enabling work has started, thanks to the North Staffs Regeneration Zone funding. This is the fruition of 18 months hard work behind the scenes. The Children’s Centre is a vital part of Port Vale’s aim to make Vale Park stadium a community venue that will be used seven days a week.”
FIVE large silver gateway signs are set to proudly proclaim: “Welcome to Burslem – Mother Town of the Potteries.” Installed at key entrances to the town, the signs are part of a major tourism campaign promoting Burslem across the Midlands. Nine large signs are being put up around the town centre to create an interesting heritage trail telling the story of Burslem’s rich history. As well as showing maps of the area, historic pictures and photographs, the boards offer quirky, little known facts about Burslem, like the fact that master potter Josiah Wedgwood had a wooden leg – his leg was amputated after he contracted smallpox. Local schoolchildren have drawn their own pictures of Burslem’s history and one of these is featured on each of the A1 boards. Tourism marketing officer Julie Obada said: “We have also produced a leaflet giving information about things to do and places to eat and drink in Burslem. “That is being distributed throughout Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and the West Midlands to promote the best of Burslem.” THE ANGEL 7
Buildings in the picture A STUDY of the most important historical buildings in North Staffordshire will be showcased in Burslem. The Brilliant Buildings project, run by Urban Vision North Staffordshire (UVNS), aims to record the major changes happening across the area as traditional industry declines and new employment takes its place. It appealed to the public to capture special buildings on camera to be included in a new book released later this year. A two-week exhibition of the works will also be held at Ceramica from April 10 until April 20. The competition attracted a number of entries from the Mother Town thanks to arguably the richest stretch of canal for industrial heritage in England and a vast range of other stunning buildings. Among the entries are the George Hotel, Ceramica and Barclays Bank.
Memorial tribute LOCAL sponsors are paying to build a permanent monument to 57 miners who lost their lives 65 years ago in a mining disaster deep beneath Burslem. Burslem builder CJ Bayley is setting a 6ft diameter pit wheel on a stone plinth outside Ceramica. Former miner Keith Meeson, who has campaigned for the lasting memorial to those killed in the 1942 Sneyd pit disaster, is raising cash to build the memorial with a sponsored walk calling in on local companies supporting the bid. It is hoped the memorial could be unveiled in May. 8
THE ANGEL
Local artist Marina Hussain with some of her work in the stylish new retail unit at Queen Street.
Creative street is town’s
crowning glory M
ORE historic buildings in Queen Street are being refurbished to provide live-work space and new homes for creative businesses. The former Cliffe’s fashion shop at 13-15 Queen Street will house eight more creative businesses in six Live/Work units and two more craft/workshop outlets. Work started on the new development as the neighbouring property, 7-11 Queen Street, became fully occupied with a number of businesses. As well as six Live/Work units, there are also
three craft/workshops fronting onto the main street, which are now home to: ● A gallery, selling artwork and designer bags. ● An extension of the Burslem Arts Festival Group called Burslem Arts selling locally produced art and craft works.
● A local events and wedding photographer. The refurbishment of 13-15 Queen Street will see many of the building’s Victorian features retained, although a 1960s extension at the rear of the property will be demolished and replaced with an enclosed staircase leading to the Live/Work units. The latest phase of the redevelopment of Queen Street as a Creative Quarter for Burslem is set to be complete by the end of the year. The two Live/Work/Retail developments have cost £1.6million and were jointly funded by housing company Touchstone, North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone and the Housing Corporation. Touchstone Regeneration Manager John Webbe said: “The Creative Quarter of Queen Street also contains the School of Art and Wedgwood Institute, as well as the business units around the indoor market . “The extra investment to bring 13-15 back into use will continue the street’s rebirth, bringing new companies to Burslem and building on the town’s rich creative heritage. “With the European-funded refurbishment of the Wedgwood Institute set to further Touchstone Senior Regeneration Manager John Webbe boost the town, Queen Street is certainly outside 13-15 Queen Street, where work is underway looking at an exciting future.” to create live/ework and retail outlets.
Countryside Properties Sales Consultant Debbie Ford shows energy efficient appliances fitted in kitchens at Sadlers Park.
£4m grant flies flag for
green living D
EVELOPERS building hundreds of new homes in Burslem are flying the flag for environmentally-friendly living after receiving more than £2 million from English Partnerships. The Government regeneration agency has supported Countryside Properties’ Sadlers Park development after throwing down the gauntlet to housebuilders across the UK to deliver environmentally sustainable communities. Countryside secured the funding through its commitment to achieving English Partnership's standards for creating sustainable communities. These standards cover a variety of important design considerations including architecture, landscaping, car parking, security, fire safety and energy efficiency. Indeed, Sadlers Park is the first major residential development in Burslem to be designed to achieve a ‘very good’ rating in the Ecohomes scheme – an independent environmental labelling for housing. Energy efficient features in the houses and apartments include: ● A-rated kitchen appliances as standard.
● High efficiency condensing central heating boilers. ● The use of energy efficient lighting in communal areas ● Drying rails in bathrooms. Conservation features include the use of renewable sourced timber, dual flush toilets for water conservation, waterbutts to re-use rainwater and the provision of recycling bins. Countryside Properties Associate Marketing Director Mike Meredith said: “Ecohomes assesses the environmental quality of a development by considering the broad concerns of climate change, use of resources, pollution and impacts on biodiversity. Prospective buyers can be reassured that not only will their choice of home have less impact on the environment, but it also comes with the very practical benefits of reduced running costs and lower maintenance.” ● The second phase of homes at Sadlers Park has now been released. For more details, call the sales office on (01782) 839305.
Start date announced WORK on the £5.4m refurbishment of Burslem’s historic Wedgwood Institute is set to start this October. Design of the project is being co-ordinated by specialist conservation architects Purell Miller Tritton and companies are being shortlisted for the first stage of construction works tenders. Specialist structural, mechanical and electrical engineers have already been appointed and a start on site is planned for the autumn.
Students scoop design prizes BUDDING designers showed off their creative talents thanks to a leading local pottery firm. During the Burslem Arts & Crafts Festival, Moorcroft PLC asked youngsters to come up with their own original design and watercolour. The winners and runners-up from each of three age groups – 4-11 years, 12-16 years and 17+ years – then visited Moorcroft to watch their designs being painted and tubelined by leading artists. The vases and watercolours are on display in the Moorcroft Museum, until April 1 when they will be presented to the winners.
Moorcroft Designer Sian Leeper, left, with prizewinners, left to right, Megan Simpson, 6, Siobahn Ballan, 15, and Caroline Herbert, 18.
THE ANGEL 9
M
EET super commuter Claire White – her home is in Burslem and her office is near to the centre of London. The 26-year-old magazine production manager catches the 7.20am intercity train from Stoke and is at her desk by 9.10am. After a day at work in the capital, she is back home in the Mother Town by 7.30pm. Claire, originally from Madeley in North Staffordshire, loves living in Burslem so much that she helped to show a party of London-based young selfemployed professionals the town’s potential as a place to live and base their businesses. The visit, organised by North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, took the guests to Moorcroft Pottery, Burslem School of Art and Ceramica and they were particularly impressed by the live/work units at 7-11 Queen Street. During the day the visitors met the town’s MP Joan Walley and before catching the train home – their first class travel was donated by Virgin Trains – the young people had a chance to meet the locals over a relaxing drink at the Bull’s Head in St John’s Square. Claire, who hopes to show more young professionals from London what Burslem has to offer them, said: “I do a lot of work on my lap top on the train.
Professionals visit town where businesses
grow
Claire White, left, shows young London professionals Nigel Harris, Mustafa Arif and Lila Allen round the Mother Town. It is much more pleasant and actually less time consuming than commuting in the south-east. “I would like to attract more young people like me out of London and into Burslem. If they just live here they contribute to the economy, but basing their businesses here will also generate jobs. “I find Burslem is affordable and there is now a real buzz about the place with all the new building and regeneration that is going on.” So what did the visitors
from London think of Burslem? Mustafa Arif, 27, a freelance business and technology consultant who is from London, said: “Previously I had only passed through Stoke on the train to Manchester. I am pleasantly surprised now I’ve seen the area, and I am particularly impressed with the support and good facilities there are for small businesses in Burslem. I’ll certainly keep an eye on Burslem and see if it has anything for me.”
Nigel Harris, 24, a freelance corporate tax consultant, said: “It is a good niche area for my kind of business services. I was also impressed with the architecture of many of the buildings. Burslem has great potential.” Lila Allen, 24, a trainee journalist currently on a BBC sponsorship scheme, said: “If I had a good business idea I would struggle in London. Here I could develop it. Burslem has a very good support network that can help make dreams come true.”
Leading the way on community participation LEADING regeneration charity The Civic Trust has chosen Burslem to be a pilot project for including residents and business in shaping the future of their communities. The independent, national organisation, which represents more than 800 civic societies across the UK, proposed the move after talks with the Burslem Regeneration Company and the inaugural meeting of the Burslem Forum in January. It is hoped the High Street UK pilot project could lead to groups of residents and businesses being set up 10 T H E A N G E L
to play an important advisory role in drawing up plans and proposals for the future. Elsewhere in the UK, the Trust has an impressive track record of working with people to promote thriving towns and villages, developing dynamic partnerships between communities, government and business to deliver regeneration and local improvement. It normally creates a co-ordinating group to seek out interested volunteers who want to have an input and make a difference for their communities. Normally this includes setting up an
economic development group, marketing group and design group, all of whom feed into the planning, development and regeneration processes. Joan Walley MP, who has continually championed the need for more people to become involved in the regeneration of the Mother Town, said: “We are creating conditions where everyone can maximise their input and play a part in the future of Burslem. Then we have to strengthen the individual contribution that people can make as a result of knowing that Burslem has an exciting future of growth.”
Roaring
trade B
Avove, Burslem’s historic Leopard Hotel.
URSLEM’S famous Leopard Hotel – once Josiah Wedgwood’s “local” – has roared back into life with ambitious plans for the future. Not long after fears the pub immortalised as The Tiger in Arnold Bennett’s Clayhanger could close, new tenants have breathed new life into the favourite haunt. Prodigal son Neil Crisp – who grew up at The Bowler Hat pub in Moorland Road (now the Old Smithy) and learned his trade as a restauranteur as far afield as Italy, New York, Russia and Cornwall – came home to take up residency at the Leopard
Expert team helps businesses boom through retraining EXPERTS based in Burslem are playing an important part in the regeneration of North Staffordshire by helping employers to upskill their workforces. Training and Consultancy Services (TCS) – at Stoke on Trent College’s Moorland Road Campus – offer flexible packages to help businesses make the most of the people they employ. The service appeals to all sizes of company and offers: ● Free training needs analysis ● Training and personal development ● Up-to-date training on all aspects of employment legislation ● Recruitment solutions ● Business consultancy Head of Training and Consultancy Services Andy Greenhough said: “We can remove the burden of researching and delivering a wide range of business solutions. “Our team members are equipped to
discuss the requirements of a company with empathy, and with the benefit of their own practical knowledge of business, before developing a way forward that saves time, energy and money.” Packages offered by TCS include: ● A brokerage service which discusses employers’ needs and proposes training at a number of Staffordshire Colleges. ● Flexible, online learning which allows employees to train 24 hours a day at a time which suits them. ● Helping small to medium sized businesses to make the most of training and special funding available. ● Short courses to train groups of employees with skills to meet an employer’s specific needs. For more information on how TCS can help boost a workforce, please call 01782 603 603 or email: employerservices@stokecoll.ac.uk
Neil Crisp with a Leopard speciality – quail and bacon salad.
and has already announced exciting plans. The new menu featuring signature dishes like wood pigeon, duck and orange sausages and fresh seafood including mussells, is proving a popular attraction at the smoke-free pub. Now meetings have been held to explore the possibility of refurbishing the hotel’s forgotten accommodation... 58 bedrooms which were used by generations of travellers visiting the thriving pottery town of Burslem. Neil Crisp – who as a teenager ran the disco at the Bowler Hat where his parents were publicans – said: “The Leopard has a unique place at the heart of Mother Town history. It was where Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley sat down in 1765 to discuss plans for the Trent and Mersey Canal and is one of the Mother Town’s finest old buildings. “We are tremendously excited about everything that’s happening in Burslem and see a great future for The Leopard as part of the town’s regeneration.” A special charity launch event on April 15 will see the Leopard staff attempt to break a 151 year old record. In 1856 the then landlady of The Leopard May Leese astonished diners by cooking an amazing 142 different dishes. This year, the present day chef and team will do one better by cooking 143 different dishes, all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research.
Give us your views PLEASE let us know about your views, ideas and initiatives by telephoning the regeneration company office on
01782 822935 or write to the Burslem Regeneration Company, Unit 5, School of Art, Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3EJ. T H E A N G E L 11
WORK IN PROGRESS... Conservation Project Manager Peter Quincey inspects refurbishment of historic Middleport Pottery which is forging ahead in time for the Antiques Roadshow broadcast.
Millions to see Burslem as roadshow comes to town B
URSLEM’S regeneration will be featured on one of Britain's best-loved TV shows when the Antiques Roadshow comes to town in May. Landmark canalside buildings at Middleport, restored as part of a huge heritage regeneration initiative, will provide an appropriately historic venue for host Michael Aspel and his team of experts. It is hoped members of the public will bring along some ceramic treasures for the programme, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary and regularly attracts audiences of more than 10 million viewers. Michael Aspel will present his introduction to the show from
Restoration work at historic Longport Wharf. the canal towpath at Middleport, showing the extent of the works which have transformed an industrial eyesore into an attractive gateway to the Mother Town. Central to the work were the Middleport Pottery and Anderton Buildings, built in
1888 and 1890 respectively. New roofs and refurbishment are being completed in a scheme costing more than £500,000. Special attention is being paid to the unique timber structure jutting out from the Anderton building over the
waterway... a unique feature from a bygone era. Boatyard offices at Longport Wharf are also being refurbished, with roofing work and replacement of windows in traditional cast iron. Once completed Middleport Pottery and the Anderton Building will be lit with special architectural lighting so the canalside quarter will be visible from the A500, an attractive gateway to the city showcasing the Potteries industrial heritage. Conservation Project Manager Peter Quincey said: “The canalside is the flagship of the whole initiative and it is great to be able to showcase work in Burslem to such a huge audience.”
Restored vicarage provides historic gateway A GEORGIAN vicarage is being restored to its original glory – providing an attractive gateway into Burslem town centre. The Old Vicarage on Newcastle Street, which was built in the early nineteenth century, is being given a £300,000 facelift by Steelite International and the Middleport Townscape Heritage Initiative. The work will mean the construction and repair of many original features greeting tourists and investors who access the town via Middleport and Porthill. The building will be used as offices for Burslem-based Steelite International –
which manufactures and distributes ceramic tableware and tabletop products to the hospitality industry. Extensive external restoration work is being carried out on the roof, guttering, portico and brickwork in addition to the rebuilding of a perimeter wall with original pattern wrought iron railings. Steelite International’s Colin Barrow said: “This once fine late Georgian property was originally built as the vicarage to St Paul's. “The building will be extensively externally renovated and restored to its original size and condition.”
Conservation Project Manager Peter Quincey said: “This building is of historical importance and has strong ties with the local community. “The works will provide a much improved gateway to Middleport and Burslem and bring further visitors into the area when Burslem fulfils its potential of becoming a tourist hotspot.” The Middleport Townscape Heritage Initiative, which is part-funding the work, consists of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Advantage West Midlands, North Staffs Regeneration Zone and Stoke-On-Trent City Council.
The Angel is produced on behalf of Burslem Regeneration Company by Smith Davis Press