Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1BX
RAEBUILD successfully completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former main entrance buildings at the historic Spode Pottery Factory in Stoke-on-Trent on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the buildings form an important part of the Church Street streetscape and wider Spode Works site.
Located at the main entrance to the former Spode Works site, Buildings 1J, 1K, 1L and 8R date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and form an important part of the Church Street streetscape and Stoke Town Centre Conservation Area.
Having fallen into significant disrepair, the buildings required extensive restoration to secure their long-term future. The brief was to undertake essential conservation and structural repairs whilst refurbishing and adapting the buildings to provide modern commercial accommodation suitable for future tenants and business users.
The works also needed to be carefully phased to minimise disruption to businesses and contractors operating within the active regeneration site.
We delivered a comprehensive programme of conservation and refurbishment works, restoring the integrity of the historic buildings while adapting them for modern commercial use.
The project included asbestos removal, specialist cleaning works, structural repairs, internal alterations and extensive roof restoration using traditional clay tiles, natural slate, leadwork and conservation rooflights.
Historic features were retained wherever possible, including the repair of original windows and masonry, alongside brickwork restoration, lime mortar repointing and the installation of new rainwater goods.
Internally, the buildings were reconfigured to create flexible business accommodation, incorporating new glazed screens, aluminium doors, upgraded fire protection, modern mechanical and electrical installations, drainage improvements and high-quality finishes throughout.
Working within an occupied regeneration site, the project team carefully managed ongoing design changes, unforeseen structural issues and phased construction requirements to ensure successful delivery.
The completed project successfully restored a prominent group of historic buildings at the gateway to the Spode Works site, securing their long-term future and creating attractive commercial accommodation for future tenants.
The conservation-led approach preserved important heritage features while delivering modern, flexible spaces capable of supporting business growth, events and commercial activity.
As part of the wider regeneration of the Spode Pottery Factory, the project has helped enhance the appearance and usability of the site, contributing to the ongoing economic, social and environmental regeneration of the area.
The restored buildings now provide a sustainable new use for an important part of Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage while ensuring future generations can continue to benefit from this historic landmark.
