Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The historic Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, where Burleighware is made, has received a £1.8m cash injection from the city council.
The loan will help with the restoration of what is the last working Victorian pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent, and will go towards building new workshops and a visitor centre.
In June 2011, the Prince of Wales’ Prince’s Regeneration Trust acquired the Grade II listed premises, which were in a serious state of decline and at risk of closure. The trust is regenerating the site and leases part of it back to Denby-owned Burgess Dorling & Leigh, safeguarding the production of Burleighware there. The blue and white floral tableware has been made at Middleport Pottery since 1888.
Some 50 people are employed making the china, and further job opportunities should arise from the new funding. Visitor numbers are also expected to rise from 3,000 a year to 30,000.
