Work has started to knock down a series of disused buildings at the former Spode factory a marking the next phase in the redevelopment of the historic 10-acre site as a Creative Village.

In total six buildings, built mainly in the 1950s and with no aesthetic value, are being demolished, with the space cleared to make way for future developments as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Councilas vision for the site. Among the buildings being knocked down are sheds, a concrete garage used as a chemical store and a former laboratory.

The demolition of the empty buildings comes after work started this month in another part of the historic site. This involves converting an empty building into a 22-room student accommodation complex across two upper floors a which will double up as a pop-up hotel outside of term time. The ground floor will feature a restaurant and office space, and the developer has plans to use it as a wedding venue.

Councillor Jack Brereton, the city councilas cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: aThis is the next phase to bring the Spode Works site back to life. We have already been completing works to bring a number of the important historic buildings back into use. Poor quality redundant buildings that detract from the wider heritage of the site will now be demolished.

aRemoving these buildings will help encourage private investment to bring forward the development of the wider site. This is all part of the vision to turn Spode Works into a vibrant creative village, making the most of its rich industrial heritage.a

Earlier this year, 43 artistsa studios of various sizes were officially opened as part of a AL700,000 scheme that has transformed the Upper China Hall section of the Elenora Street site.

Plans are also moving forward to convert another historic building on the site into a digital business start-up facility specialising in technology companies, which has a focus on graduate entrepreneurs.

Councillor Brereton added: aSpode is such an important site not just for Stoke town centre but the city as a whole. We have an opportunity here to create something really amazing which will breathe new life into the whole area. The council is investing the time and resources this historic site deserves to make our vision a reality.

aIam very pleased to see that the artistsa studios have been so successful. Itas great to see work now under way on the student accommodation and restaurant scheme, with plans now progressing for the business incubator unit. This shows how committed we are to the site and that the councilas ambitious regeneration plans at Spode are now actually being delivered.a