New vision could transform the future of Chatterley Whitfield

A new vision could bring Chatterley Whitfield back into use by combining heritage preservation with innovation, clean energy and commercial investment.

A new vision could bring Chatterley Whitfield back into sustainable use as a centre for heritage, innovation and clean energy while protecting one of England’s most important surviving industrial sites.

The proposals will be considered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Cabinet on 8 September.

A new future for Chatterley Whitfield

Covering around 100 hectares, Chatterley Whitfield is the most complete surviving deep coal mining site in England.

The Scheduled Monument contains several Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings, but remains on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The site’s inclusion highlights the scale of the challenge involved in protecting its buildings and securing its future.

Under the new vision, Chatterley Whitfield could become a major heritage and economic asset for Stoke-on-Trent, with its industrial legacy supporting new commercial uses and investment.

The plans focus on three main areas. These include celebrating and using the site’s heritage to support its regeneration, exploring commercial opportunities such as a data centre and minewater heat technologies, and opening up more of its heritage and natural environment for people to experience.

Income generated through new uses could then be reinvested into securing, restoring and preserving the site’s historic assets.

Further studies and investment

Initial studies have already helped to shape the vision.

If the proposals are approved, £185,000 from the council’s capital contingency fund will support further work to develop the scheme and help secure direct investment in Chatterley Whitfield.

The council would also progress technical studies, discussions with potential investors and engagement with stakeholders.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“Chatterley Whitfield is one of the most important industrial heritage sites in the country. As the most complete surviving deep coal mining site in England, it deserves a future that matches its significance.

“We’ve been clear that Stoke-on-Trent is facing a heritage emergency and we need to find a sustainable way forward for Chatterley Whitfield

“By bringing heritage together with new commercial uses, we have an opportunity to change the narrative around the site – turning it from a potential risk and liability into a genuine asset for the city.

“This vision gives us a way forward that can protect what makes Chatterley Whitfield so important while creating new opportunities for investment and bringing the site back into active use.

“Chatterley Whitfield helped power Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial past. Through heritage, innovation and clean energy, this vision could see it play a part in powering our future too.”

Protecting Chatterley Whitfield’s mining collection

Cabinet will also be asked to approve the transfer of historic mining artefacts to the Chatterley Whitfield Friends.

The volunteer led organisation has played an important role in preserving the site’s heritage and already operates its Heritage Centre and Remembrance Garden.

The proposed transfer would help secure the future of a collection containing mining artefacts, documents, plans and equipment.

Nigel Bowers BEM, Chair of the Chatterley Whitfield Friends, said:

“Exciting times ahead. The 'Friends' are glad to see movement and it is nice to see that, working with our local councillor, the voice of Whitfield is being heard. It’s our hope that the planned development will benefit the historic buildings on site and secure its future.”

If approved, the vision could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Chatterley Whitfield, combining its nationally important mining heritage with opportunities for investment, innovation and clean energy.