Multi-million pound boost to threatened Stoke pottery

A PROJECT to save the last working Victorian pottery in the UK and create more than 100 new jobs in Stoke-on-Trent has secured a commitment of £5m in government and private sector funding.

Middleport Pottery, in Burslem, was acquired by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust in June when it was at risk of closure.

The project will receive £1.7m worth of funding from the government’s Regional Growth Fund which will go towards refurbishing the site into a centre aimed at maintaining traditional manufacturing skills, a space for artists and a visitor centre.

The funding pledge was announced in the summer but the exact amount of the grant was revealed yesterday as Prince Charles visited Middleport Pottery.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “I’m pleased we’re able to support the Prince’s Regeneration Trust project through the Regional Growth Fund.

“This will provide a great boost to the economy in Stoke-on-Trent and create more employment in the area.

“The Government recognises that in order to stimulate the economy and encourage a private sector led recovery, it needs to provide support to business so they can find new and creative ways of modernising and expanding their operations and the technologies they use. The Regional Growth Fund will go some way to help firms achieve this.”