Work starts on Harper Street: Engagement in Heritage project

Work has started on the transformation of a derelict terrace on Harper Street, Stoke-on-Trent, into a new heritage attraction.

Located opposite Grade II* listed Middleport Pottery, the project will see the eleven former pottery workers’ houses that make up Harper Street regenerated into a new heritage attraction focusing on the domestic life of the early 20th century pottery worker, alongside workshop and retail space for seven creative businesses.

The terrace will also contain a dedicated store for the Middleport Pottery collection and archive, and a public research space to allow people to study archive items, many of which will be digitised for the first time. A modern community centre will also be created, offering community activities and support services.

The development of the Harper Street scheme will enhance the visitor appeal of Middleport Pottery and further develop the tourism offer in Stoke-on-Trent, allowing more people to understand and appreciate the engineering and creative skills of the people of the Potteries both past and present.

The two sites share a strong link as the end-terrace of Harper Street was the former home to the Middleport Pottery Lodge Keeper who was responsible for overseeing access to the Pottery. The new heritage attraction will present the Lodge Keeper’s House as it might have looked in the 1930s. The content of the house will be created in collaboration with residents and volunteers, incorporating stories and memories of life in the Potteries.

The NLHF-funded project is being delivered for Re:Form Heritage which owns and operates Middleport Pottery.