Stoke-on-Trent City Council is stepping in to secure and protect Falcon Works on Sturgess Street after concerns were raised about the historic site’s condition and unauthorised access.

The council says it will carry out protective work itself after the owner failed to act, with the costs to be recovered from the owner. The intervention follows earlier enforcement action, including a Section 215 notice requiring repairs and maintenance intended to prevent further deterioration.

More than 160 years of pottery history

Falcon Works was established in 1858 and was later owned and expanded by pottery manufacturer W. H. Goss. The surviving site includes two Grade II-listed bottle ovens and other historic pottery buildings.

Pottery production ended in 1944 and the site has been vacant for more than 35 years. Its condition has deteriorated over time and it was damaged further by a fire in 2022.

The council says its work is intended to stabilise and secure Falcon Works so the site can be assessed and plans developed for its long-term future. Any elements found to present an immediate danger may have to be carefully dismantled, while preserving as much historic fabric as possible.

Part of city heritage enforcement work

The action forms part of the council’s Heritage Enforcement Programme, which it says has handled more than 100 heritage-related cases since activity was increased around 12 months ago.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, said:

People across Stoke-on-Trent are tired of seeing important historic buildings deteriorate. I feel the same way. That’s why we declared a heritage emergency.

Falcon Works is a clear example of why that action was needed. It has been in poor condition for years and the owners have been given ample opportunity to carry out works to help protect the site, but that did not happen. As a result, the council is now stepping in.

Our heritage is one of the things that makes this city unique. Once these buildings are lost, they are gone for good, which is why we are determined to act before more damage is done.

The work is being led by the council’s building control team under dangerous-structure legislation.