Building 4 – Potbank Expansion
Spode Works Regeneration Limited part of the Dog and Bone Group who developed and owns the existing Potbank Development (22 bedroom aparthotel, restaurant and Factory Floor (The Quarter), 5 createch offices and meeting spaces) is expanding the scheme. The proposed scheme for Buildings 4A and 4B brings back into use another major part of Building 4, advancing the regeneration of Spode’s central cluster. The proposal includes:
- – Expanded createch offices (pre-let to both new and existing businesses),
- – Flexible events space (max. 500 capacity),
- – A new AI data centre and renewable energy plant capable of supplying multiple buildings on site and eventually the DHN,
- – Ancillary workspace, storage, rooftop amenity, and accessibility/fire safety upgrades,
- – Nine serviced apartments as a hotel extension.
Createch Cluster
Spode Works is at the heart of Stoke’s creative revolution. Phase 1 – Building 4L was renovated in just 18 weeks and now houses a thriving CreaTech community. The restoration preserved original features and achieved an EPC A rating. Demand for niche work spaces in sympathetically restored buildings meant the building was fully let before completion.
Building 4’s transformation created around 20 new graduate‑level creative technology jobs. The Potbank Development has attracted innovative tenants such as i‑Creation, Popcorn Learning Media, Voxel Studio, The Challenger Academy, and VisualDon. VCCP’s Challenger Academy has delivered over 15,000 hours of creative work experience and trained 629 local students, investing £4.4 million into the local economy.
Pre-let agreements to new and existing Potbank tenants and partners will enable creative and digital businesses to expand within the scheme. The scheme’s consultation process has directly responded to demonstrated local demand, ensuring all spaces will be fully let upon completion. Once operational, these additional uses will support an estimated additional 40–50 full-time jobs, bringing the wider Potbank scheme to well over 150 jobs.
The wider Spode site and Stoke Town is home to other CreaTech businesses and creatives such as Acava Studios, The Claybody Theatre, Lesniak Swann, Inspired Film and Video and Carse and Waterman. The CreaTech group have regular meetings and hosted networking events with more planned in the future which makes a great collaborative community. This diverse group makes an interesting ever changing place to work, play and stay.
Flexible office spaces from 500–2,500 ft² offer carbon‑neutral heating, gigabit internet and access to rooftop terrace. A data centre and production suites on site support collaboration, while close links with Staffordshire University feed the talent pipeline. Over 70% of the next phase is already pre‑let — but some studios remain available.
Events & Venue Hire
Building 4 will introduce a 500‑capacity events space ideal for Exhibitions, food & beer festivals, exhibitions, music events, artisan markets and filming/production. The venue features roller‑shutter drive‑in access and high ceilings, giving promoters a blank canvas to create spectacular experiences.
Existing spaces at Spode complement this offer. The Factory Floor is a live music venue where music, drinks, dancing, arts and food come together; it hosts events such as afternoon teas, salsa nights and comedy shows with band sets between 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm most weekend. For private hire it accommodates 60–160 guests and provides exclusive use of the venue, bar and staff.
The Meadows Events Space, a 500‑capacity warehouse space on site, offers an alternative high ceiling, drive in warehouse with an industrial vibe.
Our new venue will build on this momentum, offering flexible hire packages for large‑scale events. Register your interest early to secure dates for 2026 and beyond.
We are proud to be hosting the BCB 2025 ceramic festival between 5th September – 19th October 2025. Just 10 weeks before opening this space was a leaky warehouse with broken windows and home to pigeons. Find out more.
Sustainability & Innovation
We’re reinvigorating historic buildings while dramatically reducing carbon emissions. A 100 kW solar array on our warehouse roofs, combined with insulation and green heating, will generate clean power. Waste heat from our onsite data centre will be recovered to heat the buildings and will connect to the district heating network in the future. These measures are projected to save 10,568 tonnes of carbon over the scheme’s lifetime.
By reusing materials, preserving heritage structures and investing in renewable energy, we’re demonstrating how industrial heritage can support a low‑carbon future. Our project is funded partly by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the majority of investment privately secured.
Read more about it: https://potbank.co.uk/blogpost-jeff-nash-director-spode-works-regeneration-and-the-dog-and-bone-group-the-owners-of-the-potbank-development-at-spode-works/
Social Value & Wellness
Spode Works thrives on collaboration, education and wellbeing. The expansion will create inclusive opportunities through jobs, training and partnerships with organisations such as the British Ceramics Biennial.
The new Pivot Therapies and Wellness centre in Building 4C will offer physiotherapy, clinical Pilates, reformer sessions, barre and yoga in state‑of‑the‑art studios opened in September 2025. Plans include two studios, clinic rooms and a reception area; the project will create /support 5 skilled FTEs and support students from Staffordshire University.
Partnerships with VCCP’s Challenger Academy and other creative businesses provide pathways into employment and training. We also support local events such as the British Ceramics Biennial, ensuring the community benefits from creative programming and cultural engagement.
Hospitality & Heritage
Potbank is more than workspace – it’s a destination. Our aparthotel offers nine stylish rooms for longer stays, each with its own kitchen and free Wi‑Fi, at a fraction of the price of comparable hotels. Guests enjoy the character of the restored pottery works, with exposed brickwork and industrial features, plus the convenience of on‑site parking.
Eat and drink at The Quarter on site. By day, the café serves wholesome breakfasts, brunches and lunches in a relaxed, dog and family‑friendly setting with an open fire. By night, it transforms into a restaurant with a menu to please any appetite and plenty of cocktails. The bar offers beers, wines and the Potbank‑brewed Pilsner. The Quarter also hosts a diverse mix of live music, poetry, comedy and themed events.
Register Your Interest
To enquire about available Createch studios, to book the events venue or to stay at the Aparthotel, please complete the form below or contact us. We will keep you informed about progress and upcoming opportunities.
Alternatively, email us at ashley@carltonsuites.co.uk or call 07868346014.
