The former J. H. Weatherby Falcon Pottery factory in Hanley is being "urgently" demolished due to health and safety concerns.

The owner began demolishing the main building earlier this month, with the council saying it is "monitoring the situation closely".

The building on Old Town Road had been used by J.H. Weatherby & Sons since 1892 until it closed in 2000, but it has since been vacant and the subject of anti-social behaviour in recent years.

Cllr Adrian Knapper, representing the Birches Head and Northwood ward, which the building is within, said the situation was "heartbreaking".

He said: "My viewpoint is that it's truly heartbreaking to see such a significant piece of our potteries history slip away.

Temporary fencing has been erected around the Falcon Pottery factory on Old Town Road. (Nub News)

"This building wasn't just bricks and mortar—it was a testament to our city's heritage, a place that held stories and memories for so many local people.

"To think it has passed from one owner to another over the years, only to be lost, feels like a missed opportunity to preserve something irreplaceable"

The Falcon Pottery factory closed in 2000. (Nub News)

At its peak, the works employed 200 people, but by the time of its closure, only 10 remained.

The site features a squat bottle kiln and the remains of one of the few surviving muffle kilns in the city, which are currently untouched while the main building is being demolished.

Cllr Knapper added: "What makes it even more disheartening is knowing how much our city needs high-quality homes and apartments, especially in such a prime location near the city centre.

"Instead of losing this historic gem, it could have been transformed into something meaningful—a space that honoured its past while serving the needs of our community today.

"It's a reminder of how fragile our connection to history can be, and how important it is to fight for the preservation of these landmarks.

"Let's hope this loss inspires us to protect what's left before it's too late."

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "We are aware of the works at the site which are being carried out, by the owner, urgently on health and safety grounds.

"Our Building Control (Dangerous Structures) and Planning Enforcement Team are in dialogue with the owner and are monitoring the situation closely."

The council is yet to confirm if a Section 78 demolition order had been served on the owners of the site before demolition commenced.