Historic mine could become data centre park

Proposals to save a 250-acre industrial heritage site will be discussed by Stoke’s cabinet next week and include some modern commercial uses.

Chatterley Whitfield is the most complete surviving deep coal mining site in England, the council said.

The area is a scheduled monument and includes grade two and grade two star-listed buildings.

Options for the future of the site include digital space, heating networks, and data centres using mine water for cooling.

There could also be heritage attractions to allow visitors to explore the history of the mine and celebrate its storied past.

The council’s cabinet members will be asked on Tuesday 8 September to approve spending £185,000 from the capital contingency fund to develop plans and secure further investment into the site.

The cabinet will also be asked to approve the transfer of historic mining artefacts to the Chatterley Whitfield Friends who have been important in preserving the site’s heritage.

The volunteer-led organisation already operates a Heritage Centre and Remembrance Garden at the site.

Cllr 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.”

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.”