Students help shape the future of Chatterley Whitfield Colliery

MArch student work that explores the architectural possibilities for Chatterley Whitfield Colliery in Stoke-on-Trent has been presented to the local Council. The meeting was organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to discuss the future of this historic but neglected site.

The colliery, designated in part a Scheduled Monument and containing a host of Listed Buildings, is the most comprehensive surviving former deep mine site in England.

The work was produced by MArch students from Studio Temporal Places 2017-18 and presented by the studio’s leader Mark Emms.

Proposals included a number of design projects, site strategies and precedent studies that collectively convey a range of creative possibilities and approaches to architectural intervention at the colliery.

The student work aims to address contemporary issues whilst recognising the significance of the past, engaging imaginatively with the colliery’s existing fabric and building upon its distinctive sense of place.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, including Leader of the Council Ann James, alongside Wardell Armstrong consultants, Historic England, Sir Neil Cossons (former chair of English Heritage), Professor Emeritus Peter Styles (Keele University).

Also in attendance were members of Chatterley Whitfield Friends, a community group interested in preserving the site who have worked with the students during the past year.

The student work has supported a growing momentum to save the historic colliery and contributed to a constructive discussion relating to its reinvention.


Further information about Chatterley Whitfield Colliery