Traders and local residents have welcomed Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s announcement that it has purchased the historic Spode pottery site as part of plans to transform Stoke town centre.

The former pottery site, which has remained empty since the company went into administration in 2008 – although the historic Spode brand is once again being produced in the town by the Portmeirion Group – will now be brought back in to use as regeneration plans for Stoke get under way.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, leader of the city council, said the purchase was a significant step in the transformation of this historic town and would provide an exciting opportunity to create a development which will breathe new life into the area. He went on to say: “The former pottery site is at the heart of Stoke Town and houses a wealth of historic buildings on the 10 acre site. The aim is to bring the site back in to use as quickly as possible.”

Councillor Mervin Smith, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for city development (regeneration), said: “Spode offers a fantastic opportunity to revitalise Stoke town and it is important that any regeneration undertaken is sympathetic to the history of the town and in keeping with the needs of the rest of the town centre. We are currently in the process of developing interim uses for the site while a more strategic and long term vision is completed.”

Spode Works, in Elenora Street, Stoke, lays claim to the longest continuous period of pottery production. Spode has become an iconic brand across the world and continues to be made in Stoke by Portmeirion who took over the brand in 2009. Built from 1759 the 10 acre site consists of stunning buildings of international heritage significance and offers a unique opportunity to develop a mixed-use scheme which will lead to the regeneration of the town.