Historic Spode site in Stoke bought by council

The historic Spode pottery site in Stoke-on-Trent has been bought by the city council as part of plans to transform the area.

The site was left empty after the firm went into administration in 2008, but will be brought back into use as regeneration plans for Stoke begin.

The 10-acre site, which dates back to 1759, offers an opportunity to develop a mixed-use scheme, the council said.

Spode products are being made at Portmeirion Group in the city.

Portmeirion bought Spode and Royal Worcester in a £3.2m deal with administrators.

'Exciting opportunity'

The council is currently running a tender process to find a design team for the masterplan.

The plan, which will help to guide investment in the town over the next five to 15 years, will focus on ways of bringing the former pottery site back into use and connect it with the University Quarter, mainline railway station and existing town centre.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, leader of the city council, said: "Today is a significant step in the transformation of this historic town and will provide an exciting opportunity to create a development which will breathe new life into the area."

He added: "The aim is to bring the site back into use as quickly as possible."