Bottle kilns restored ahead of house building work

The bottle kilns, known as the Three Sisters, are on land in Burslem earmarked for housing

Three bottle kilns have been repaired and restored before work begins on a new housing estate in Stoke-on-Trent.

The historic kilns, known as the Three Sisters, are at Bournes Bank, Burslem, where 43 affordable homes are set to be built.

Although the Grade II listed kilns will be fenced off from the housing, the long-term aim is to bring some of the land they are on into community use, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said.

The new homes on the Woodbank Street site are expected to be completed by summer 2025.

Bournes Bank, which used to be home to Acme Marls Limited, is one of a number of brownfield sites in Stoke-on-Trent being redeveloped for housing.

The repair of the bottle kilns was a "really positive step forward," city councillor Chris Robinson said.

"Not only will they add to the overall look of the new housing estate but they will also serve as an example of our commitment to preserving our city’s heritage and safeguarding our historical assets."

The new houses will be managed by Your Housing Group, and will be a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and rent to buy.

"It’s great to see the restoration of such an iconic landmark for Burslem," said Lorraine Donnelly from the housing provider.