Stoke-on-Trent City Council and OVI Homes have announced a Levelling Up agreement in what will be a huge boost towards progressing redevelopment plans to transform the former Crown Works site, located in Longton, into modern retirement apartments.
The former Crown Works site, served as a pottery factory for Stoke-on-Trent since being founded by John Goodwin in 1841 until the closure of the Tams Group in 2006. Complimenting Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics history, Tams Group Ltd became the biggest ceramic employer in Longton, and one of the biggest mugs manufacturers in Europe during its twilight years.
Since the closure of the Crown Works in 2006, the buildings have sat empty, suffered multiple fires damage, partial demolition and are in a derelict condition. However, there are now ambitious multi-million-pound plans to redevelop the site into a retirement village, including the creation of apartments for over-55s, car parking, cycle storage, and attractive communal gardens, whilst preserving many of the important historical features of the site. The redevelopment of the site is currently going through the formal planning process with a decision expected by the City Council Planning Department within the next few weeks.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council and OVI Homes, the developer, have now agreed a Levelling Up agreement that will now see the plans formally receive match-funds needed to unlock the development and wider private investment. This site is being delivered as part of the £56 million Levelling Up Fund secured for Stoke-on-Trent from the Government by local Members of Parliament and the City Council.
Speaking following the announcement, OVI Homes Chairman David Taylor CBE, said:
“OVI has ambitious development plans for 2023/2024, and our long-standing commitment to the Crown Works site in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent is an incredibly positive and exciting part of that investment.
“The Crown Works Development will transform the gateway to Longton and we have taken time and care to understand the specific challenges on site and the surrounding area to find a sensitive but contemporary building and landscape design that will help to kick-start further investment in the years to come. Our collaborative approach complements complex public and private regeneration, and we can see a lasting and productive relationship with the Stoke-on-Trent Council team and local stakeholders across the city on a broad range of projects in the future”.
Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Cllr Abi Brown has added:
“This is such an important development for Longton, not only in telling the story of ceramics in the area and focal to the conservation area but as a gateway to the town centre. This is an historic building that has stood vacant for many years and had become a blot on the landscape. But we have always recognised its potential and are thrilled that the site is now being brought back into such an important use.
“The exciting, stand out designs for new homes will have a positive impact for the town and help attract further investment.
“We are delighted to have an agreement with OVI Homes to secure Levelling Up funding and that work can now progress.
“With all of the investment in Longton combined with the pride and enthusiasm of local people it is set to be a more vibrant town, attracting people to live, work and visit.”
Local Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent South, Jack Brereton, has been a key supporter of The Crown Works development in Longton and has worked with both Stoke-on-Trent City Council, OVI Homes, and Ministers to push forwards the development following securing Levelling Up Funds.
Commenting on the Levelling Up agreement, he has said:
"I am very pleased to hear about the completion of a Levelling Up agreement for the Crown Works in Longton. This is a big step forward for a crucial project for our city.
We are starting to see our levelling up achievements materialise in Stoke-on-Trent and the Crown Works is a fantastic example of the work being done to deliver these improvements. This is the redevelopment of a key heritage site and a key gateway to Longton town centre. It will regenerate an important local historic building for new residential uses and help support the wider revitalisation of Longton.
I will continue to work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and OVI Homes I am hoping to hear news about planning permission over the next few weeks."
