This whole area of warehouse and wharf is the key commercial opportunity for the project. It is the destination point at the end of the reinstated canal, offering safe overnight mooring and an opportunity to explore Middleport, Burslem and beyond. The Shropshire Union Warehouse has been thoroughly surveyed and declared largely intact and in reasonable condition, although some areas require significant attention.
The illustrations show just how this mid-19th Century building can be brought back to life and welcome not only the local community but waterway travellers.
The new basin itself will provide not only moorings but cater for all the needs of visiting boaters. There will be a new amenity building including a Manager's Office as it is intended to renovate and lease the original Manager's House. The remaining outdoor space is intended for community/arts activities.
Detailed Description
The whole site is currently occupied by Potteries Waste Ltd., who have indicated their willingness to relocate, providing a suitable site can be found for the brick/concrete crushing activity. Their relocation and the purchase of the site is fundamental before any of the improvement works can take place.
The primary objective is to create a terminus basin adjacent to the historic Shropshire Union Warehouse, linked to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Because the level of the water in the Trent & Mersey is much higher than the wharf sides this new basin will need to be approximately 1m about the ground floor level of the warehouse. Substantial design and construction will be needed, in conjunction with Canal & River Trust (CRT.)
By bringing boats back to the warehouse and wharf, the historic setting will once again be realised and purpose given back to a neglected building.
Warehouse
The illustrations how this transformation will take place, with the ground floor of the warehouse providing a large welcoming open entrance foyer with stairs to above, toilet facilities and lift, with a retail outlet cum museum immediately off to one side.
To the other side is the “Main Street” leading to a café/restaurant, with its south-west facing patio overlooking the canal and basin. The street itself gives access to a large flexible arrangement of accommodation which could house craft workshops, design studios, media outlets, offices or even a community kindergarten.
The first floor has huge potential for a number of community-based activities, as the illustrations show. New rooflights lighten the whole space, whilst added “porthole” windows offer views over the basin. This space is seen as the community hub for Middleport, with its expanding population.
Basin and Wharf
The New Basin will provide overnight mooring for six boats, short stay mooring alongside the warehouse, together with turning space, refuse disposal, sewage removal, gas bottle provision, water supply, along with the services of a site manager. There is an area designated for arts performances/community activities etc.
Overlooking the basin to the south will be the warehouse with seating and planting wharfside. This area could become the most sought-after place in Burslem, on a par with Birmingham or Manchester and their canalside social quarters. The original canopy over the warehouse wharf is restored to provide a covered way along its frontage with the basin creating a reminder of its former purpose.
The removal of the waste site and the creation of this new basin alongside a renovated warehouse will form a destination point for both locals and waterway visitors.
