Goods Yard, Stoke-on-Trent: From local industry to local neighbourhood

Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire is famous for its historical potteries industry and is synonymous with craftsmanship. More recently, as with many towns and small cities nationwide, the need for good quality housing and characterful neighbourhoods has dramatically increased, especially those built on heritage assets.

A disused industrial goods yard, once central to Stoke’s industrial economy, has been reimagined as a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood. A public-private partnership with early contractor engagement has shaped a vision that is both forward-looking and rooted in place—transforming vacant land into a well-connected, sustainable destination.

Sitting at the meeting point of rail, road, and canal, Goods Yard is intrinsically linked to the city’s infrastructure. Its proximity to Stoke’s main station, public transport, and the canalside towpath makes it a natural hub for a growing community. The masterplan introduces new homes alongside co-working spaces, amenities, and a rich public realm—ensuring the site’s legacy as a place of exchange continues.

The architecture is bold yet contextual. A contemporary red clay building with deep scalloped façade stands against the industrial canalside warehouse with its striking black sawtooth roofscape. The textured precast elements reference the region’s pottery heritage, with each scallop framing a picture window or French doors with a Juliet balcony, offering long views across the hillside. Below, historic brick vaults, once a vital part of the goods storage network, have been repurposed to create a lively canalside setting for food and beverage outlets.

The landscape stitches together old and new. Green spaces flow between existing structures and new buildings, forming shared gardens and a permeable public realm that encourages movement through the site. This layered approach respects the past while opening up new opportunities for connection and community.

With an inherent warehouse typology, the design embraces modern methods of construction (MMC), utilising low-carbon mixed concrete prefabricated masonry panels manufactured less than 100 miles away. The repetitive rhythm of the façade not only enhances efficiency but also reinforces the industrial character of the site.

Goods Yard demonstrates how underused industrial land can be reimagined—providing much-needed homes while acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration. By balancing heritage and innovation, it sets a new precedent for contemporary living in Stoke-on-Trent.