One of Burslem’s most iconic buildings – and one of my personal favourites – is finally back in the spotlight, and this time you have the chance to help shape its future.
Yes, The Leopard is stirring once more.
Following the devastating fire in January 2022 that left the Grade II-listed pub in a sorry state, the question on everyone’s lips has been – what happens next? Well, we’re finally starting to get some answers, and even better, the public are being invited to be part of the decision.
Local History Walks & Talks with The Red Haired Stokie
Re-Form Heritage, the team behind the brilliant restoration of Middleport Pottery, are carrying out a viability study into The Leopard to explore the possibilities for bringing this legendary Burslem building back to life. They’re working alongside the pub’s owners, Daneets Developments, to consider everything from potential partnerships to full restoration or even new ownership – but nothing is set in stone, which is why your voice matters.
A community engagement event will be held on Thursday, 24th April, from 11am to 3pm at Burslem School of Art, and you’re all invited. The day will kick off with a talk from Re-Form Heritage’s Zoe Sutherland and feature historical displays, drone footage of the current state of the building, and interactive activities where you can share your ideas and hopes for the future of The Leopard.
The viability study will also include an archaeological desk-based assessment, as The Leopard stands on the site of one of Josiah Wedgwood’s earliest potbanks – known as Brick House Works or Bell Works. This historic site is where Wedgwood perfected his famous creamware, which earned royal recognition when it was supplied to Queen Charlotte.
As Dr Alasdair Brooks, Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage, says:
“We are quite excited by the potential for this well-loved historic building. It is a prominent landmark in the community and people feel very strongly about it.
“We are looking to identify a viable future for The Leopard and we want to hear what ideas come from members of the public.
“In addition, it is on the site of possibly one of the most historically significant potbanks in the entire city – and I don’t make that claim lightly – so we will be looking into what that could involve.”
This is a huge opportunity for our community to make a difference and influence what could be a major heritage regeneration project in the heart of the Mother Town.
Plans to turn the pub into shops and 17 flats were withdrawn last month.
The project is being funded by Historic England and the Architectural Heritage Fund, and will support Re-Form Heritage in deciding whether they will take on the regeneration of the pub themselves.
Although The Leopard is currently too unsafe to enter, representatives from Re-Form Heritage and Daneets Developments have already visited the site alongside structural engineers as part of the initial phase of the study.
If you want a bit of background on why The Leopard is so important, I’ve written an article diving deep into its fascinating and layered history – from it's beginning as a small cottage in a local village, through it's days as a large and important coaching inn, to Wedgwood and Brindley’s legendary meeting and beyond.
You can read it here:
Jenna Goodwin
So – what would you love to see at The Leopard? A heritage hub? A community space? A museum? An arts venue? Something new entirely?
Come along, get involved, and help shape what comes next for this unforgettable part of Burslem’s past – and future.
🗓️ Date: Thursday, 24th April
🕚 Time: 11am to 3pm
📍 Location: Burslem School of Art
🎤 Intro Talk: By Zoe Sutherland, Re-Form Heritage
📸 Displays: Drone footage, historical photos, questionnaires & more
