Vacant buildings at a former china factory in Stoke-on-Trent are set to be brought back to life with new homes and shops.

Kirklands Properties Ltd has lodged plans to convert the north courtyard of the Grade II-listed Phoenix Works, in Longton, into 25 flats and two shops.

This follows the success of an earlier project, starting in 2008, to regenerate the southern half of the site, which is now home to half-a-dozen businesses.

According to the plans, the new apartments will provide 'urban living accommodation within an important piece of the city's industrial heritage'.

The Phoenix Works site, on King Street, is home to two of Stoke-on-Trent's last remaining bottle ovens, the base of one of which will form a central feature within one of the proposed flats.

A planning application, submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, states: "The client's aspiration is to create a high-quality, architecturally exemplary residential and retail development on the site of Phoenix Works that is sensitive and respectful of the existing heritage assets.

The Pheonix Works site, on King Street, is home to two of Stoke-on-Trent's last remaining bottle ovens (Google).

"The proposal will see the high-quality conservation repair of the existing listed buildings on the site in order to sustain the historic fabric for the enjoyment of future generations.

"The ambition of the client is to revitalise the north courtyard giving it the status it deserves, and to bring new life back into the building, to help regenerate and conserve the former pottery buildings."

The proposed flats will be a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. There will be no residential parking, but the plans include storage facilities for up to 42 bikes.

In addition to converting the existing buildings to residential use, the plans would also see the construction of a new, three-storey infill in the south-west corner of the site, to increase floor area and ensure the scheme is 'achievable and financially viable'.

Two retail units will be created on ground floor facing onto King Street.

A pottery was first established on the site in the late 18th century, and the factory was rebuilt by Thomas Forester in 1881.

The south courtyard of the Phoenix Works is currently home to businesses such as the Glost House cafe bar, Period Property Store and Phoenix Home Interiors.

Regeneration expert Dave Proudlove welcomed the new plans.

He said: "The owner of the site has done some great things there over the years, and this looks like being the final piece of the jigsaw. I welcome the reuse of the buildings, particularly to create new homes, something that I'd like to see more of. Good news for Phoenix Works, and good news for Longton."

The application will be considered by planners at the city council over the coming weeks.

----------

READ MORE: Petition launched for new pedestrian crossing on busy Stoke-on-Trent junction 

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.