A new plan for Chatterley Whitfield could combine the former colliery's industrial heritage with clean-energy technology and new commercial uses.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet is due to consider the proposals on Tuesday, 8 September. They include exploring a data centre and minewater heat technologies, improving public access to the site's heritage and natural environment, and using income from new development to help preserve historic buildings.
£185,000 proposed for further work
The council is being asked to allocate £185,000 from its capital contingency fund for technical studies, stakeholder engagement and discussions with potential investors.
Chatterley Whitfield covers around 100 hectares and is described by the council as England's most complete surviving deep coal mining site. The Scheduled Monument contains Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings but remains on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.
Cabinet will also be asked to approve the transfer of historic mining artefacts, documents, plans and equipment to the volunteer-led Chatterley Whitfield Friends, which operates the site's Heritage Centre and Remembrance Garden.
Heritage, investment and clean energy
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration, said the site deserved "a future that matches its significance".
He said: "By bringing heritage together with new commercial uses, we have an opportunity to change the narrative around the site – turning it from a potential risk and liability into a genuine asset for the city.
"This vision gives us a way forward that can protect what makes Chatterley Whitfield so important while creating new opportunities for investment and bringing the site back into active use.
"Chatterley Whitfield helped power Stoke-on-Trent's industrial past. Through heritage, innovation and clean energy, this vision could see it play a part in powering our future too."
Nigel Bowers BEM, chair of Chatterley Whitfield Friends, said: "Exciting times ahead. The 'Friends' are glad to see movement and it is nice to see that, working with our local councillor, the voice of Whitfield is being heard. It's our hope that the planned development will benefit the historic buildings on site and secure its future."
If cabinet approves the proposals, the council says it will continue technical work and explore investment opportunities. No final development has yet been approved.
