New homes plan for former Stoke-on-Trent factory site

Work is set to start on demolishing a former factory building, marking a key step in Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s plan to transform brownfield land into much-needed new homes.

The former Olympus Engineering site, on College Road, Shelton, has been earmarked for redevelopment after it was deemed surplus to requirements in 2020 alongside the former Brookhouse Green Primary School site, on Wellfield Road, Bentilee, which closed in 2006.

Now Derby-based East Midlands Demolition has been commissioned to carry out the demolition works on behalf of the council.

The project is supported by £2.2 million from the government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund 2, secured by the council to unlock land for new homes and jobs.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, regeneration and infrastructure at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “For too long, sites like this have sat empty when they should be creating opportunity - opportunities for homes, for jobs and for a stronger community. That changes now.

"It’s great news that work is starting ahead of schedule. We’re wasting no time getting these schemes off the ground because people in Stoke-on-Trent need good homes, and they need them now.

"We have big plans for housing in Stoke-on-Trent. At Booth Street in Stoke and Pyenest Street in Shelton, we’re pushing forward plans for new homes. In Chell Heath, we’re about to welcome residents into a brand-new sheltered housing scheme, ensuring local people have safe, comfortable places to live with the support they need.

"Everyone deserves a decent home - whether you’re a young family starting out, an older resident looking for security or anyone in between. No-one in Stoke-on-Trent should be stuck in poor housing or priced out of a good place to live. We’re taking action to make sure everyone can live in a safe, decent and warm home."

The demolition work is set to start earlier than initially planned, on Thursday 20 March, and will last for up to four months.

Letters have been sent out to residents living in College Road and nearby Raymond Street. They are also being invited to an informal meeting with the contractor on Thursday 27 March between 2pm and 3pm.

This will be an opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns in relation to the demolition works.