The Potteries Centre
Shopping Center | Stoke-on-Trent | England | United Kingdom
Shopping center in Stoke-on-Trent
The Potteries Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, England, is the largest shopping center in Staffordshire and South Cheshire and a central part of the city center of Hanley, the commercial heart of the city. It opened in 1998 and spans approximately 52,000 square meters of retail space, housing over 80 stores. The center was developed as part of a larger urban project to modernize shopping facilities in Stoke-on-Trent, a city known as "The Potteries" due to its historical significance in the ceramics industry. It attracts millions of visitors each year and serves as an important economic and social hub for the region.
Restaurants in The Potteries Centre
The shopping offerings at The Potteries Centre are diverse, featuring a mix of well-known British retail chains and specialized shops. Major retailers include big brands like Primark, Next, H&M, JD Sports, and River Island, which serve as anchors and attract a wide audience. Other prominent stores include Boots, Superdrug, Pandora, and Swarovski, offering cosmetics, health products, and jewelry, as well as TK Maxx for discounted branded goods. The lower level features a smaller market area with stalls for food, sweets, and minor services like shoe repairs, although it is less frequented compared to the main level. This variety makes the center attractive for both everyday shopping and targeted purchases.
Family-friendly activities Stoke-on-Trent
In addition to retail, The Potteries Centre also offers extensive dining and leisure options. There are seven restaurants, including popular chains like Nando’s, Chiquito, and Bon Pan Asian, serving a selection of international cuisine ranging from Mexican to Asian to African-inspired dishes. This is complemented by cafés such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee, providing more casual options for snacks and drinks. Entertainment is provided by a Cineworld cinema with nine screens, showcasing modern blockbusters, making the center a popular destination for families and friends. This combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment allows visitors to spend an entire day here.
Events at The Potteries Centre
The architecture of the center is modern and functional, with a focus on light and accessibility. A large glass roof allows natural light to enter the main shopping corridors, creating an open, inviting atmosphere. The design is clear and straightforward, with wide walkways and a uniform level that facilitates navigation. The center features a multi-story car park with over 900 spaces, enabling convenient access by car. It is also well-connected to public transport, with nearby bus stops and a short distance to the Hanley bus station, as well as a slightly farther but reachable train station, enhancing accessibility for the entire region.
Shopping and dining in Hanley
Throughout its history, The Potteries Centre has undergone various developments. It was originally developed by Westfield Corporation and later taken over by Intu Properties, which operated it as "Intu Potteries" until its insolvency in 2020. After the insolvency, management was handed over to Savills, and it is currently under the management of Munroe K Asset Management Ltd. Despite these transitions, the center remains a vital part of the local economy, although it has faced challenges in recent years, such as vacant retail spaces and the withdrawal of some major brands, like Next in 2022. Regular events such as seasonal competitions, children's activities, and community initiatives help maintain its appeal.
Criticism of the center does exist, however. Some visitors lament the lack of more exclusive or "high-end" brands like John Lewis or Zara, which are common in larger cities like Manchester, viewing the offerings as too standardized. Additionally, the dining options are perceived by some as limited, with a focus on chains rather than independent providers. The market area on the lower level has lost significance, with many stalls closed, leaving an impression of neglect. Nevertheless, many appreciate the convenience, family-friendly facilities such as baby-changing rooms, and the central location.
