Heritage Grants
Middleport Pottery opened in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent in 1889. It is a rare Grade II* listed example of a site still manufacturing world-famous pottery using traditional methods and buildings.
High capital repair costs had prompted owners Denby Pottery Ltd (DPL) to consider relocating production, leaving the Middleport site at risk.
Seizing the opportunity to show how sympathetic development of an industrial heritage site can play an important part in regeneration, The Prince's Regeneration Trust purchased the site in 2011.
Its HLF-supported rescue package retained DPL as principal tenant in an upgraded space, ensuring continued traditional pottery production on site. Redundant floor space was refurbished as workshops, galleries, a visitor centre, café and activity spaces to inspire and educate students and visitors from around the world.
The Middleport Pottery project benefited local people by valuing and developing heritage skills, creating jobs, preserving important industrial and artistic collections and celebrating the unique Potteries built environment. Visitors can now enjoy exhibitions about the history of Middleport Pottery, and tours give them an opportunity to observe first-hand the creation of Burleigh ware using rare hand-crafted techniques.
