Demolition & Restoration at Goods Yard: Paving the Way for Stoke's £60m Urban Village

Jim Wise Demolition was commissioned by Bowmer and Kirkland to deliver a crucial phase in Stoke-on-Trent’s ambitious £60m Goods Yard urban village regeneration project, located on Glebe Street.

The focal point of this stage was the demolition and strip-out of the iconic 1860s double-height vaults warehouse — a historic red-brick structure once used for goods storage and transportation between the canal and railway. Over the years, it had been altered with a 1980s mezzanine floor and partial office conversion. Now, it is set to be transformed into a vibrant leisure hub featuring event spaces, co-working facilities, and a food hall.

Our scope of works included:

• A full soft strip down to basement level
• Removal of the fire-damaged first floor, unsafe due to structural damage
• Elimination of fixtures including timber staircases, ceilings, M&E installations, and more

The works were completed over an intensive two-week programme starting 02/03/2023.

A standout feature of this project was our use of the state-of-the-art BROKK demolition machine – a precision electric, remote-control unit capable of making exact concrete cuts in confined spaces. By the project’s conclusion, around 300 tonnes of material were removed from the vaults.

Once restored, the space will feature a striking public entrance, staircases leading down from a landscaped overhead garden, and new skylights to flood the vaulted rooms with daylight. A new mooring station will connect the site to the canal, providing easy access for leisure visitors and commuters.

This landmark regeneration is another example of why Jim Wise Demolition is regarded as one of the leading demolition contractors in Stoke-on-Trent, trusted to work on projects that blend heritage preservation with modern urban development.

Images courtesy of Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel

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