ANGELthe

AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS

Robbie’smessage tohis belovedhome town

E X C L U S I V E

ISSUE 1 Summer 2006

THE Burslem Regeneration Company iscoming of age. The days of makingMaster Plans have come to a successful

conclusion and it is time to move forwardand grow.

At a personal level I have never had muchtime for those who would like to use theBRC as a platform for making speeches.There are many people working hard forBurslem and its community. Burslem has noneed of more pubs or more low-gradesupermarkets.

It is looking for new pounds to come intothe town to be spent locally and dispersedwithin the local community and into newjobs.

New pounds bring new opportunities andnew jobs. The ceramic tourists coming to theMother Town of the Potteries should havefacilities to welcome them and facilities toencourage them to stay. Burslem still has 11

ceramic companies operating withinits boundaries of which five have aninternational reputation. We ignore them at our peril.

Those with property have a solemnresponsibility to deal with it wisely and notas a commodity to be disposed of as quicklyas possible simply because that is easy andconvenient.

Property has to be renovated anddeveloped in a way that attracts newpounds. That also happens to be thesensible way of investing public money. To invest in facilities for which there is no

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

The motto for all of us has to be: “What isbest for Burslem is best for me.” Nothinghappens in this world unless you make it.

Equally, everything you cause to happenmust be economically and sociallysustainable. Burslem is not dead. Indeed, itis much more lively than some people wouldlike to think.

By Hugh Edwards,Chairman of The BurslemRegeneration Company

Let’s worktogetherLet’s worktogether

2 T H E A N G E L

Time for talking is over... now foraction

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 toyears of behind the scenes work laying the foundations foraction that is now creating the visible regeneration of thetown.

She said: “We have a marvellous window of opportunitywhich we must grasp. The groundwork has beenpainstakingly done to trigger the funding anddevelopment which will create a new and vibrant localcentre in keeping with the spirit and heritage of theMother Town.

“It cannot be the same as the past but there is anexciting vision for the future that will make Burslem aunique place in North Staffordshire and beyond – agreat place to live and visit.”

But Joan – who has campaigned for Burslem atWestminster for almost 19 years – warned aboutdangers of people “ploughing their own furrows”.

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

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

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 toyears of behind the scenes work laying the foundations foraction that is now creating the visible regeneration of thetown.

She said: “We have a marvellous window of opportunitywhich we must grasp. The groundwork has beenpainstakingly done to trigger the funding anddevelopment which will create a new and vibrant localcentre in keeping with the spirit and heritage of theMother Town.

“It cannot be the same as the past but there is anexciting vision for the future that will make Burslem aunique place in North Staffordshire and beyond – agreat place to live and visit.”

But Joan – who has campaigned for Burslem atWestminster for almost 19 years – warned aboutdangers of people “ploughing their own furrows”.

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

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

Stoke-on-Trent North MP JoanWalley with Tony Hawkhead, Chief Executive of Groundwork UK,pictured at Burslem Park wherethe organisation have carried outimprovement projects. SEE PAGE SEVEN – GROUNDWORKON HAND FOR REGENERATION.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP JoanWalley with Tony Hawkhead, Chief Executive of Groundwork UK,pictured at Burslem Park wherethe organisation have carried outimprovement projects. SEE PAGE SEVEN – GROUNDWORKON HAND FOR REGENERATION.

themother townis in my heart

THE Golden Angel watchesover Burslem from thehighest point in the town ontop of the old Victorian townhall.

She was commissioned andput in this place of honour inthe mid-19th Century as asymbol of the Mother Town’scommercial prosperity andglobal excellence in thepottery industry.

According to legend aslong as the angel guardsher people their well-

being is assured. Four yearsago her precious gold leafexterior was painstakinglyrestored to preserve her as atalisman for futuregenerations. She has nowbeen adopted as an image ofBurslem’s resurgence – and atitle for the RegenerationCompany’s newsletter.

As a young boy Robbie wasfascinated by the gleamingangel which looks over herdomain like a celestialguardian.

R O B B I E S E N D S G O O D L U C K M E S S A G E F O R B U R S L E M

I’m loving Angels instead...

T H E A N G E L 3

AMAJOR makeover for houses on two “gateway” routes into Burslem has

been successfully completed byRENEW North Staffordshire andStoke-on-Trent City Council.

The Government-fundedproject centred on Hamil Roadand Park Road has dramaticallyimproved the externalappearance of properties inneed of repair.

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

At the same time the Councilhas improved the environmentaround the houses with betterstreet lighting and trafficcalming measures.

Renovation to houses wascarried out at no cost to theresidents – providing they donot sell their properties withinthe next five years, or in thecase of landlord-owned housesthe properties are rented for aminimum of five years.

The improvements have beengiven the thumbs up byresidents. Margaret Bradbury, ofPark Road, was delighted withher new roof, gutters anddownpipes, repairs to a sideboundary wall, two newwindows and a back door.

She said: “I can’t fault theworkmen - nothing was toomuch trouble for them. Theyeven painted the railings on thefront wall. It has definitely madethe whole street look better andmust have added thousands tothe value of the property.”

Claire Mitchell, a ProjectOfficer with the North Team ofthe City Council’sNeighbourhood Renewal Team –one of RENEW NorthStaffordshire’s partners in theHousing Market RenewalProgramme – said:

“Every effort was made toensure that improvements suchas new windows and doors

were in keeping with thecharacter of the olderproperties.

“The project was designed toimprove the externalappearance of these two streetsin Burslem in order to improvehouse values and attract moreresidents and potentialbusinesses to the area as partof Burslem’s regeneration.”

In addition, children atMoorpark Primary School inBurslem are preparing to painta mural outside their school aspart of a project to inject prideinto their neighbourhood. Theyoungsters have designed aLowry-style landscape of the

their town and the grave of thereputed witch Molly Leigh.

Children also produced adesign for the gate that willshow the name of the schooland its distinctive tower.

n Staffordshire HousingAssociation will also beworking with the RENEWregeneration programme withprojects to improve theenvironment of residentialcommunities in the town. TheAssociation will consult withresidents and keep theminformed on progress. Formore information contactHeather Rowley at theAssociation on 01782 572258.

MORE than £4.5 million hasbeen invested into the futureof Burslem by the NorthStaffordshire RegenerationZone, one of theorganisations helping tofund areas of greatest need.

The Regeneration Zone hasalready funded projects suchas the Burslem EnterpriseCentre, Live/Work units at7-11 Queen Street and theBurslem Construction Centre.

A further £4.5 million isplanned for the next threeyears, includingrefurbishment of theWedgwood Institute, projectsto improve the physicalappearance of town centrebuildings and a number ofproperty acquisitions.

Aktar Choudhury, ChiefExecutive of the NorthStaffordshire RegenerationZone, said: “Burslem is ahidden gem of the Potteries.

“It is home to somefantastic architecture andheritage, which could holdterrific tourism value.

“An investment plan isnow in place to bring thesevacant historic buildingsback into use and improvethe image of the town centrethrough major public realmworks.”

Ken and Margaret Bradbury pictured outside their terraced homein Park Road which has had external improvements as part ofRENEW’s “gateway” routes project.

PolishingPotteries’hidden gem

TEENAGERS on a course toimprove their career andtraining prospects are givinga facelift to key areas ofBurslem.

Youngsters aged between14 and 19 – some of whomhave left education – havesigned up for the new projectrun by training providerAlternative Skills for Life(AS4L) to spruce up BurslemPark and tackle graffiti in thetown.

They will begin the12-week course by giving anew look to the scheme’sbase at Burslem Lodge. Theywill also learn about healthylifestyles.

Alternativeskills for life

4 T H E A N G E L

Residents givethumbs upto RENEW project

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

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

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

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

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which owns thebuilding, has applied for funding to regionaldevelopment agency Advantage West Midlands, theHeritage Lottery Fund and Europe and have addednearly £1 million to the pot themselves. If fundingis successful, work could begin in November 2006and be completed by August 2008.

Stoke-on-Trent Elected Mayor Mark Meredithsaid: “This is a key project in the regeneration ofBurslem which will create a real focal point forbusiness people and residents alike.

“More than 1,600 square metres of floor spacewill be transformed, and is just part of the city’swider renewal.”

BUMPER Burslem ArtsFestival events are set toshowcase the Mother Town’screative tradition tothousands of visitors.

Monday May 29 will seecompetitions, streetentertainers and live musicas well as arts and craftsstalls, open artist’s studios,food stalls, live music,history talks, a communityhub and a beer festival.

Angela Hassall from theBurslem Arts Festival Groupsaid: “We are building onour success of the festivalheld in December 2005.

“We recognised after thatfestival the people ofBurslem wanted an event ofquality that celebrated thelocal talent housed in theircommunity. This years’ eventpromises to be just as bigand will also incorporateworkshops for local children.

“We are encouraging allthe local community tosupport this initiative andturn up on the day. Itpromises to be a fun filledoccasion with plenty ofevents for children andadults.”

For more informationcontact 0870 6260023_oremail festival@jellifish.co.uk

Get set forthis year’sFestival

A statue of the great master potter JosiahWedgwood looks down on Queen Street fromThe Wedgwood Institute building.

Restoration ofa treasure

The magnificent facade ofThe Wedgwood Institute.

T H E A N G E L 5

HUNDREDS of newmodern homes areattracting residents

to Burslem and providinga major shot in the armto the town’s economy.

Families, couples andsingle people moving intothe stylish properties areenjoying the benefits ofattractive homes withinwalking centre of all thetown’s amenities.

And the prospect of somany new Boslemites isexpected to lever inmassive new investmentto bring even morerestaurants, bars andleisure facilities to the town centre toserve its new inhabitants.

21st century properties beingmarketed by Countryside Propertiesand Pochin Homes bring modern citycentre living to Burslem at SadlersPark, Westport Road, and HadderidgeGardens, just off the Burslem bypass –both built on former potbank sites.

Both developments include a livelymix of family homes, apartments andlive/work units for the growing numberof people based at home who mightwork on the road.

The sites have been designed tocreate attractive new gateways into theMother Town.

Pochin Homes Managing Director

John Coupland said:“We aim to attract adiverse spread ofpeople back to live inBurslem and play animportant part in thetown’s regeneration.

“Our approach is toprovide innovativehousing solutions andHadderidge Gardens isalready attracting lotsof interest from singlepeople, couples andfamilies.

“The quality of thesedevelopments bring atrendy way of living toBurslem which will

change the town’s future. The homesare the same quality and designs asthose being snapped up in modern citycentres like Leeds, Birmingham andManchester, but at much moreattractive prices.”

Michaela Lancashire, Sales Directorof Countryside Properties (Northern)said: “Countryside Propertiesspecialises in urban regeneration andhas been responsible for some of theUK’s most successful developmentsand regeneration projects.

“Sadlers Park will form a major partof the multi-million poundtransformation of one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most charming and historictowns.

LEADING regeneration charity GroundworkStoke-on-Trent is literally on the spot to make avaluable contribution towards the transformationof Burslem.

Last year the organisation relocated to AlbanyWorks, a former pottery manufacturing site inMoorland Road, Burslem.

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

As well as a base for the 50-plus GroundworkStoke-on-Trent staff, the Centre providesspecialist training programmes for young long-term unemployed people and self-containedsmall business units.

Up to 600 young people a year are beingtrained in landscaping and construction skills,and they have helped to build the Albany Worksfacilities they use. Around 70 per cent of thetrainees go on to find permanent employment inthe construction industry – and many of themwill be using their much needed crafts to helpre-shape Burslem.

The site includes 18 low rent business unitsfor enterprises as diverse as a clothing companyand a books business. Former site owners BHWCeramics use a suite of units as a research anddevelopment base even though their ceramicproduction has been moved to China.

All units have so far been let as soon asbecoming available, and others are beingdeveloped to meet demand. Tenants havebusiness support facilities such as receptionstaff and advice on IT and human resourcesissues.

The purpose-built units have also attractedvoluntary sector and community organisationslike Masqueraders, a local organisation thatinvolves people with disabilities in theatricalproductions. Their premises at the GroundworkEnterprise Centre are used to design and buildstage props and hold rehearsals.

In addition the Centre is a base for otherprogrammes provided by GroundworkStoke-on-Trent for young people, like theEnvironmental Task Force that has carried outlandscaping and improvement work in Burslemand Cobridge parks.

Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent’s ExecutiveDirector Jon Cotgreave, who is also a member ofthe Burslem Regeneration Company’s board ofdirectors, said: “As a major regeneration charity,we are thrilled to be so closely situated andinvolved with what is happening in Burslem.

“Our training programmes are helping toaddress the local and national shortage ofconstruction skills that will be needed for theregeneration of the area.

“In addition, the business units created on oursite are benefiting the local economy andcreating new jobs, which is another positivecontribution to the regeneration of Burslem.”

Groundworkon hand forregeneration

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

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

Countryside Properties Sales Negotiator JulieOwen and Assistant Site Manager Peter Jonesat the Sadlers Park homes development site.

Pochin Homes Sales Consultant Karen Redfern at theHadderidge Gardens homes development.

A luxury kitchen at a showhome at Hadderidge Gardens. Bryan Carnes, ChiefExecutive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber ofCommerce and Industry –“New homes are a shotin the arm for Burslem.”

6 T H E A N G E L T H E A N G E L 7

“The properties within Sadlers Parkhave been carefully designed to achieve aperfect balance between the traditionalarchitecture of the area and contemporaryelegance, creating attractive and modernhomes which will enhance the characterof Burslem and become part of a vibrantand successful new community.

“We are pleased to have sold morethan 50 per cent of the initial phaserelease and believe that the scheme willact as a beacon for the town’s futureprosperity.”

With more housing developments

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

Bryan Carnes, Chief Executive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, said: “Hundreds of newresidents moving into quality homes inthe town centre will be a real shot in thearm for Burslem’s economy.

“New residents will mean investment inthe town in leisure facilities and retailoutlets – this will inevitably create jobsand see Burslem returning to the vibranttown of yesteryear.” n

New homes are bringing people

back to town

HUNDREDS of newmodern homes areattracting residents

to Burslem and providinga major shot in the armto the town’s economy.

Families, couples andsingle people moving intothe stylish properties areenjoying the benefits ofattractive homes withinwalking centre of all thetown’s amenities.

And the prospect of somany new Boslemites isexpected to lever inmassive new investmentto bring even morerestaurants, bars andleisure facilities to the town centre toserve its new inhabitants.

21st century properties beingmarketed by Countryside Propertiesand Pochin Homes bring modern citycentre living to Burslem at SadlersPark, Westport Road, and HadderidgeGardens, just off the Burslem bypass –both built on former potbank sites.

Both developments include a livelymix of family homes, apartments andlive/work units for the growing numberof people based at home who mightwork on the road.

The sites have been designed tocreate attractive new gateways into theMother Town.

Pochin Homes Managing Director

John Coupland said:“We aim to attract adiverse spread ofpeople back to live inBurslem and play animportant part in thetown’s regeneration.

“Our approach is toprovide innovativehousing solutions andHadderidge Gardens isalready attracting lotsof interest from singlepeople, couples andfamilies.

“The quality of thesedevelopments bring atrendy way of living toBurslem which will

change the town’s future. The homesare the same quality and designs asthose being snapped up in modern citycentres like Leeds, Birmingham andManchester, but at much moreattractive prices.”

Michaela Lancashire, Sales Directorof Countryside Properties (Northern)said: “Countryside Propertiesspecialises in urban regeneration andhas been responsible for some of theUK’s most successful developmentsand regeneration projects.

“Sadlers Park will form a major partof the multi-million poundtransformation of one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most charming and historictowns.

LEADING regeneration charity GroundworkStoke-on-Trent is literally on the spot to make avaluable contribution towards the transformationof Burslem.

Last year the organisation relocated to AlbanyWorks, a former pottery manufacturing site inMoorland Road, Burslem.

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

As well as a base for the 50-plus GroundworkStoke-on-Trent staff, the Centre providesspecialist training programmes for young long-term unemployed people and self-containedsmall business units.

Up to 600 young people a year are beingtrained in landscaping and construction skills,and they have helped to build the Albany Worksfacilities they use. Around 70 per cent of thetrainees go on to find permanent employment inthe construction industry – and many of themwill be using their much needed crafts to helpre-shape Burslem.

The site includes 18 low rent business unitsfor enterprises as diverse as a clothing companyand a books business. Former site owners BHWCeramics use a suite of units as a research anddevelopment base even though their ceramicproduction has been moved to China.

All units have so far been let as soon asbecoming available, and others are beingdeveloped to meet demand. Tenants havebusiness support facilities such as receptionstaff and advice on IT and human resourcesissues.

The purpose-built units have also attractedvoluntary sector and community organisationslike Masqueraders, a local organisation thatinvolves people with disabilities in theatricalproductions. Their premises at the GroundworkEnterprise Centre are used to design and buildstage props and hold rehearsals.

In addition the Centre is a base for otherprogrammes provided by GroundworkStoke-on-Trent for young people, like theEnvironmental Task Force that has carried outlandscaping and improvement work in Burslemand Cobridge parks.

Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent’s ExecutiveDirector Jon Cotgreave, who is also a member ofthe Burslem Regeneration Company’s board ofdirectors, said: “As a major regeneration charity,we are thrilled to be so closely situated andinvolved with what is happening in Burslem.

“Our training programmes are helping toaddress the local and national shortage ofconstruction skills that will be needed for theregeneration of the area.

“In addition, the business units created on oursite are benefiting the local economy andcreating new jobs, which is another positivecontribution to the regeneration of Burslem.”

Groundworkon hand forregeneration

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

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

Countryside Properties Sales Negotiator JulieOwen and Assistant Site Manager Peter Jonesat the Sadlers Park homes development site.

Pochin Homes Sales Consultant Karen Redfern at theHadderidge Gardens homes development.

A luxury kitchen at a showhome at Hadderidge Gardens. Bryan Carnes, ChiefExecutive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber ofCommerce and Industry –“New homes are a shotin the arm for Burslem.”

6 T H E A N G E L T H E A N G E L 7

“The properties within Sadlers Parkhave been carefully designed to achieve aperfect balance between the traditionalarchitecture of the area and contemporaryelegance, creating attractive and modernhomes which will enhance the characterof Burslem and become part of a vibrantand successful new community.

“We are pleased to have sold morethan 50 per cent of the initial phaserelease and believe that the scheme willact as a beacon for the town’s futureprosperity.”

With more housing developments

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

Bryan Carnes, Chief Executive of NorthStaffordshire Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, said: “Hundreds of newresidents moving into quality homes inthe town centre will be a real shot in thearm for Burslem’s economy.

“New residents will mean investment inthe town in leisure facilities and retailoutlets – this will inevitably create jobsand see Burslem returning to the vibranttown of yesteryear.” n

New homes are bringing people

back to town

BURSLEM’S own“Docklands” developmenton the site of the old

branch canal at Middleport isseen as a vital part of theregeneration of the MotherTown.

The £10.5 million BurslemPort Project will make therestored waterway the catalystfor a thriving community, withgood quality housing, leisurefacilities, new businesses andlocal shops and services.

At the moment the canal armis dried up wasteland, but theplan is to fill it with water onceagain in order to “irrigate” thetransformation of Middleportwithin the next fiveyears.

Exciting proposals include:

n Creating a mooring basin toprovide a safe haven andbase for people who visit thecity by boat, and provision oflong term moorings.

n Converting the MerseyWeaver Wharf and

Warehouse into acommunity centre.

n A craftcentre, plus

employmentzonearound

Navigation Road, withbusinesses like boat buildingand repairs andopportunities for traditionalcanalside craft and boatfurniture making.

n Providing residential boatmoorings for people whowant to live on water and bepart of the Port area’svibrant and mixedcommunity.

n Opening up the wet landsbetween Middleport andCobridge as natural parklandwith views of Rogerson’sMeadow.

All this activity will increasethe value of land in the area,making it attractive for thedevelopment of high qualityhousing served by amenitieslike local shops, hairdressers, apost office and medical centre.

David Dumbelton, ProjectOfficer for Burslem Port Project,

which is working in partnershipwith bodies such as RenewNorth Staffordshire, BritishWaterways and the City Council,said: “The canal link with theTrent and Mersey Canal was thekey to Burslem’s prosperitywhen it was opened in 1805, tobring in raw materials for thepottery industry and take awayfinished ware.

“Now it is to play a major rolein the area’s economy onceagain by attracting newresidents, visitors andbusinesses who will have apositive impact on Burslemtown centre as well as the localMiddleport community.”

Hardial Bhogal, Director ofRenew North Staffordshire,said: “The Burslem canal armwill play a fundamental role inattracting new housingdevelopment and makingMiddleport and Burslem anattractive and desirable place tolive.”

Creation of canal port

is exciting catalyst

A computer generatedconcept image of oneidea of what theplanned Burslem Portmight look like.

The dried upBurslem branchcanal which couldbecome a mooringbasin for theBurslem Port.

Picture courtesy of Christopher Taylor Design of Leek.

THE £5 million John SeddonBuilding Technology Centreat Stoke on Trent College is

helping to lay firm foundationsfor the regeneration of Burslem.

The purpose-built centre isdesigned to equip people withthe construction skills neededfor regeneration projects inNorth Staffordshire like the onethat is heralding a newrenaissance for the Mother Townof the Potteries.

And fittingly, the superbstate-of-the-art facility, whichhas coveted Centre ofVocational Excellence (CoVE)status, is located on theCollege’s Burslem campus just ashort distance from where a lotof the regeneration work isbeing carried out.

The College’s CoVE ratingcovers the key constructionareas of brickwork, wood skills,painting and decorating,electrical installation, gasinstallation and plumbing.

More than 3,000 students usethe Centre which is equippedwith the latest multi-mediatechnology and interactiveresources.

Students also receive practical“hands-on” training to preparethem for the rapidly changingdemands of the construction

industry and help reduce theskills shortage in the area.

The John Seddon BuildingTechnology Centre has beenfunded by Advantage WestMidlands, the Learning andSkills Council and Stoke onTrent College. The College hasalso established a facility atindustrial units in nearbyLingard Street to developplastering skills – of which thereis a serious shortage in theregion – and train siteoperatives in groundwork skillslike laying foundations anddrainage systems.

The Lingard Street unit willalso be opening its doors inSeptember to pupils aged14-plus from all the city’s highschools as a Schools Linksscheme to give young people a“hands on” insight intoconstruction as a worthwhilecareer.

Ken Burgess, Head of theFaculty of Engineering andConstruction, who is responsiblefor running the BuildingTechnology Centre, said: “Weare helping to provide the skillsrequired by today’s constructionindustry for much of the newbuild and refurbishment workthat is being carried out as partof the regeneration of Burslem.”

BURSLEM will be a great place to shop,thanks to a £2 million traffic managementscheme that will make it much easier forpedestrians to move around the towncentre.

Work is expected to start in the summerof 2007 on the scheme that will removethrough traffic which at present runsbetween Newcastle Street to MoorlandRoad. Instead this traffic will be re-routedvia improved junctions on WoodbankStreet, the A50, Federation Road andWestport Road. Buses and emergencyservices will be given priority and will stillbe able to access through Market Place.

At the same time additional short-term

parking for shoppers will be provided inMarket Place with access to the A50, andSt John’s Square will be re-configured inorder to double the present number ofparking spaces.

In addition the whole area will be re-paved, with wider pavements, using highquality paving materials such as thosepreviously used around Ceramica.

The improvements could also bring thetraditional Friday market, now held inQueen Street, into Market Place, and thestatue of Henry Doulton will be given amore prominent position on a featuredplinth outside the Town Hall.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “ The

planned works are an important part of theoverall plan for the regeneration ofBurslem. The change to traffic flow isdesigned to make the town centre apedestrian-friendly environment which willattract people and encourage the growth ofspeciality shops, restaurants and otherhigh-quality facilities.”

n Stoke-on-Trent City Council is alsoseeking £100,000 through the NorthStaffordshire Regeneration Zone’s SRB6Programme to create a Burslem HeritageTrail, provide a summer hanging basketsdisplay and to install four eye-catchinggateway signs that will welcome visitors tothe town.

Pedestrian-friendly environment

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

Building for the future on

firm foundations

T H E A N G E L 9

THE timetable for much ofthe regeneration work inBurslem is set by theDelivery Plan, a schedulefor short and medium termprojects.

Some of the scheduletakes the form of plans,studies or appraisals sothe public may not beaware of thesebehind-the-scenesactivities. However, a walkaround the centre ofBurslem soon makes itapparent that change ishappening.

Scheduled projects thathave been completedinclude refurbishment ofnumbers 22/30 QueenStreet – vacant shops thathave been given a newlease of life as job-creating studioworkplaces – andimproved paving onMarket Place North.

Projects spearheaded byTouchstone – part of theMidland Heart HousingGroup – include therecently completed 7/11Queen Street (refurbishedshop) to create six livework units on the upperfloors with three studiounits on the ground floor.

In addition, Touchstoneare also acquiring 13/15Queen Street to providespace for fledglingbusinesses with upperfloor accommodation.

As well as the DeliveryPlan projects, new highquality housingdevelopments are takingshape at Greenhead Streetand Navigation Road.

Meanwhile clearance ofthe Bournes Bank isunderway in readiness forfurther town centrehousing development.

There are otherexamples of regenerationactivity in the pipeline –such as a project to turnthe Swan Bank MethodistChurch Sunday School intoa faith-based communitycentre.

Dynamic visiontakes shape

THE Chamber of Trade in Burslem is urginglandlords to make their properties moreattractive to buyers and tenants in a bid toattract more businesses into the town.

Members of the chamber say they want toreduce the number of vacant shops.

They have asked the City Council to contact

absentee landlords and advise them that grantsof up to 90 per cent are available towards thecost of any improvements as the town lies in aconservation area.

Chamber chairman Howard Latham said: “Wehope the initiative will attract new tenants intoBurslem, boosting trade and the local economy.”

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 StaffordshireRegeneration Zone, and Kevin Birks, Project Co-ordinator – Burslem Regeneration Company.

Changingtownscapeis plain forall to see

Landlords urged to smarten properties

10 T H E A N G E L

THE vision of what a revitalised Burslem willbe like in less than four years’ time isbecoming a reality. Dynamic changes and

developments listed in the pages of the BurslemMasterplan and Urban Design Action Plan – theblueprint for the regeneration of the Mother Town –are already taking shape on the ground.

The Plan, produced by The Burslem RegenerationCompany, was published in 2004. It is a long termstrategy to turn around Burslem’s fortunes andonce again make it a thriving hub of businessenterprise, creative energy and a place wherepeople want to live and visit.

The Plan details priorities for the programme totransform the town by the year 2010. Its aims aresummed up by the following mission statement:

“The renewal of Burslem will be driven bycelebrating Burslem’s internationally importantindustrial, social and literary heritage throughcontemporary ceramics industries and thriving

tourism, promoting design excellence and creatinga high quality environment in which people liveand work.”

Many of the regeneration projects in the MasterPlan focus on the town centre. For instance, thereare plans to open up the Wedgwood Institute forpublic, cultural and visual arts while retaining thepublic library.

Stoke-on-Trent Elected Mayor Mark Meredithsaid: “The Master Plan is designed to improve thetown centre, while bringing vacant buildings backinto use to generate new jobs.

“High quality houses will help create a vibranttown centre with residents only two minutes walkaway.

“ At the same time we are regenerating theartistic and creative heritage of Burslem, in thetradition of the Pottery Barons who firstestablished public amenities like the School of Artand the Wedgwood Institute.”

THE much-anticipated regeneration of Burslemwould surely bring an approving smile to theface 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 asBursley in his books – should also coincide withthe renaissance of the great man’s literary works.

Author, journalist, playwright and talented artistBennett was voted the Midlands most famouswriter earlier this year – beating the likes of WilliamShakespeare and The Lord of the Rings authorJ.R.R. Tolkien to the top spot.

And the flamboyant man of many talents whodied in 1931 is stirring interest in a new generationof fans who want to learn more about him and readhis entertaining fictional accounts of life in thePotteries.

Many of his lesser-known novels are now beingput back into print by local publisher Churnet ValleyBooks. Helen With The High Hand and Leonara haveappeared on the shelves within the last year andThe Regent, the sequel to The Card, is due out thisSpring.

The opening of the new Arnold Bennett displayat the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, in Hanley,also received major recognition in March and putsome of his lesser known talents – such as watercolour painting – under the spotlight.

Back in Burslem, the wordsmith’s revival is also

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 tohold a series of talks about his life and times.

A new Bursley Trail leaflet, to guide visitorsaround Bennett’s fictional locations in Burslem, isalso set to stimulate interest and draw in tourists.

Carol Gorton, Secretary of the Arnold BennettSociety said: “Bennett’s books are in a sense thecultural side of the economic regeneration which isnow in full swing in Burslem and across NorthStaffordshire. Anyone doubting the extent of hiscontribution to the profile of the county should visitthe exhibitions at Ceramica and the PotteriesMuseum or walk the Bursley Trail.”

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

Denis, from the South of France – where hisgrandfather lived out his twilight years – visitedStoke-on-Trent to attend the opening of thePotteries Museum exhibition before attending theArnold Bennett Society’s Annual Dinner at TheGeorge Hotel in Burslem.

He said: “My grandfather loved this area. It wasin his heart. Anyone who reads his books can seethis. Having seen first hand what is happening inBurslem and Stoke-on-Trent in general he would beproud to see what is being done to restore it to itsformer glory.”

A LASTING memorial to 57miners who lost their livesin a terrible pit disasterdeep beneath Burslemcould be in place thissummer.

In 1942, staff at SneydPit broke an oldsuperstition about workingon New Years Day becausecoal was needed for thewar effort.

At 7.50am that day amassive explosion rippedthrough the pit 800 yardsbelow the ground. It tookeight days for rescuers toremove the bodies whilerelatives waited anxiouslyfor news at the pitentrance.

Now, plans for a pitwheel memorial inscribedwith the miners nameshave been submitted andwork could begin in June.

Former miner KeithMeeson, who is leading theproject, said: “We haveagreed a site nearCeramica and are confidentit will be going ahead. Wemust never forget thesebrave men, but a propermemorial has beenoverlooked until now.”

BURSLEM historian FredHughes is aiming for aplace in the record bookswith a 12 hour lecture onthe Mother Town’s richhistory.

Fred will deliver a dozenenthralling hour-long talks,one after the other, duringthe Burslem Arts and CraftsFestival on May 29th.

Subjects range from ThePubs of Burslem to TheChartist Riot of 1842, andvisitors will be able tosupport Fred at the Ceramicshop, from 9am to 9pm.The marathon talk will beofficially timed and arecord submitted to theGuinness Book of Recordsfor possible inclusion.

Literary heritage ofold BursleyLiterary heritage ofold Bursley

Arnold Bennett’s grandson Denis Eldin meets Arnold BennettSociety Chairman John Shapcottat the town’s George Hotel.

Pit disastermemorialplanned

Marathonlecture

T H E A N G E L 11

A£2.25 million loan is helping Port Vale to reach its goal to become

one of the UK’s leadingcommunity football clubs – anddrive forward the regenerationof Burslem.

The loan from Stoke-on-TrentCity Council will enable thecompletion of the Lorne Streetstand and fund an action plan forthe extension of communityfacilities at Vale Park.

Among the ideas beingdiscussed is the provision of apioneering children’s centre tosupport families in the Burslemarea.

A detailed community plan isbeing designed and also includesproposals to site a nationalautism and asperger resourcecentre in the Lorne Streetdevelopment. City councillors willdiscuss the club’s communityplans to make sure they fit withthe wider plans for the area andthat they meet the needs of localpeople.

The centre for the NorthStaffordshireAsperger/AutismAssociation (NSAAA) – acharity supported by Vale’sbiggest shareholder, popsuperstar Robbie Williams– would create a centre ofexcellence for thetreatment of the conditionand support for families.

Main construction workon the stand is expected to start inautumn with a completion date for thewhole development within 18 months.

Vale Chairman Bill Bratt said: “It’sgreat news for Port Vale and the CityCouncil and it’s 10-nil for the community.

“It is a ground-breaking partnershipwhich focuses on what we can give tothe communities we both serve.

“We have always wanted to see ValePark used seven days a week formaximum community benefit and thisconcept has been welcomed by topregeneration consultants looking at thewider picture for Burslem.”

Stoke-on-Trent’s Elected Mayor MarkMeredith – an enthusiastic champion ofthe regeneration of Burslem as part ofthe vision for transforming the whole

city – said: “The loan to Vale is not justbased on commercial issues.

“It will strengthen the club’s positionas part of the regeneration of theBurslem and Middleport areas as awhole.

“It is a win-win situation for Port Vale,the Burslem communities and the CityCouncil and it sends out a positivemessage for potential investors that weare all backing this regeneration.”

Jan Williams – Robbie’s mum andpatron of the NSAAA – said: “Vale’splans are innovative and exciting.

“The stadium would make an idealsite for our centre of excellenceespecially as there could beopportunities to share facilities with aplanned children’s centre.”

It’s 10-nil for thecommunity

Vale Chairman Bill Bratt and Jan Williams, a patron of the North Staffordshire Asperger/AutismAssociation, look at plans to house a resource centre for the charity at Vale Park.

A cause for celebration at Vale Park.

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

Lorne Street project is win-win for Vale and council

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

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

What are youdoing to help the regenerationof Burslem?