A multi-million pound redevelopment of the former Dudson pottery site is attracting “strong” interest, including from national operators.
Tableware firm Dudson Ltd went into administration in April 2019, with its old headquarters being purchased by London-based investment management company Vengrove two years ago.
Work on the Scotia Road site, in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, began in January and is scheduled to take eight months.
Once complete, the new industrial estate will be home to seven trade counter units and three standalone units designed to appeal to a wide cross-section of the business community.
A number of enquiries have already been received from firms looking to take up units.
Richard Mounsey, Director at city-based agents Mounsey Surveyors, said: “The site is delivering a range of quality industrial and warehouse units into a market which is chronically undersupplied of this type of property.
“The units will be modern in nature and provide accommodation which very much fits with business requirements.
“The early interest in the site has been strong. We have several active requirements from traditional manufacturers to warehouse occupiers and national and regional trade counter operators.
“The interest ranges from muti location business to smaller occupiers located in a single site elsewhere within Stoke-on-Trent.”
Work carried out already has included demolishing part of the former buildings.
The new units will range from 5, 000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft in size. A new shared yard is also being created.
At 220-years-old, Dudson was one of the UK’s oldest tableware brands. Its closure – put down to cash flow pressures and falling sales – saw the loss of 385 jobs.
Richard added: “This site will accommodate business to relocate, grow and develop in a modern industrial environment.
“It is great to think that this site has been transformed from what was a sad situation with the former occupier to a new and vibrant location for business which will create jobs, business growth and new opportunities.”
