From Neglected Plot to Urban Oasis: Hanley’s New Community Garden Set for Grand Opening

The Potters’ Patch on Bucknall New Road will officially open on Friday 26 June, transforming a neglected Hanley site into a new community garden designed to support residents, wildlife and urban greening.

A neglected pocket of Hanley is set to be officially revitalised this week as a vibrant new community hub. The Potters’ Patch, situated on Bucknall New Road, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday 26th June, completing a dramatic transformation led by the charity Groundwork West Midlands.

The project represents a major step forward for urban ecological transformation in Stoke-on-Trent, breathing new life into a site that had long been overlooked.

"Before work began, the Bucknall New Road site was an underused, neglected urban plot with limited ecological value and little community use," Groundwork West Midlands told us. "Its visibility, accessibility, and position within a densely populated part of Hanley made it an ideal location. It had strong potential to be reimagined as a welcoming green space that could serve nearby residents and contribute to wider urban greening."

The charity, which focuses on creating greener, healthier, and more resilient communities, views the plot as a blueprint for modern urban regeneration. Melissa Underwood, Head of Nature Recovery at Groundwork West Midlands, explained the core philosophy behind the initiative.

“The Potters’ Patch is about creating a space where people, nature and community can thrive together,” Underwood said. “By transforming an underused site into a welcoming green space, we hope to provide opportunities for local people to connect, learn new skills, support biodiversity, and take pride in shaping the future of their neighbourhood.”

The design of the garden is specifically tailored to tackle the challenges of modern city living, featuring a mix of native planting, pollinator-friendly flowers, seating areas, and features designed to encourage wildlife such as insects and birds.

"In dense urban environments, access to nature is often limited," Groundwork added. "Spaces like Potters’ Patch provide vital opportunities for people to connect with nature, which supports mental and physical wellbeing. They also help improve local air quality, increase biodiversity, and create small but meaningful wildlife corridors within the city."

Local residents have been at the heart of the project from the start, contributing through consultation and hands-on sessions. This community-led stewardship is designed to continue long after the official opening, with regular volunteer sessions scheduled every Wednesday from 11am to 3pm.

Organisers hope for a strong turnout at Friday’s launch event, promising a welcoming community celebration .

"Visitors can expect a relaxed community event celebrating the transformation of the site," the charity said. "There will be opportunities to explore the new garden, meet and speak with project partners, and take part in a range of informal, hands-on activities. These will include planting activities, kids’ fruit kebab making, and willow weaving sessions."

Looking ahead, Groundwork has high hopes for the Hanley plot.

"A successful outcome in a year’s time would be a well-established green space that is actively used by residents, rich in biodiversity, and regularly maintained with community involvement. Ideally, it will have become a valued local asset."