Spode Rose Garden blossoms with Centenary makeover thanks to Stoke-on-Trent based businesses

The Spode Rose Garden has been given a fresh new look as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations – thanks to the support of Stoke-on-Trent based firms.

The support has brought new life to a site that was once a grand Victorian garden for factory workers and, more than 20 years since it was last in use, was officially relaunched in 2016.

The garden, attached to the Spode China Hall, off Kingsway in Stoke, has been revived through a partnership between several local businesses and the council’s repairs and maintenance service - which was recently brought back in-house. Each have contributed their skills, materials and time as part of their social value commitments to the city.

Morgan and Bond Ltd provided 10 tonnes of topsoil, laid new stone pathways and created a slabbed hopscotch court - work valued at £8,000. Dulux Decorators Centre donated masonry paint for volunteers to brighten the garden wall, while HSS The Hire Service Company supplied specialist equipment and training to help the Friends of Spode Rose Garden trim back wisteria safely.

Andy Bond, Director of Morgan and Bond Ltd said, “At Morgan and Bond Ltd, we believe in building more than just structures; we are committed to building stronger, more resilient communities. As a leading building contractor working for social housing providers across the Midlands, we understand the importance of giving back and creating lasting social value and the profound impact our work has on the communities we serve. Our dedication to social value is reflected in everything we do. We strive to create lasting positive change through our projects.”

James Goold of Dulux said: “Dulux Decorators Centre were delighted to help the Friends of Spode Rose Garden by donating the masonry paint for their garden wall.”

Lucie Affleck, Sales Director at HSS The Hire Service Company said, "We're a national company but we're very proud of our local connections and are committed to supporting the communities we operate in. We're pleased to be contributing to this wonderful project by providing the equipment the team need to work safely at height to undertake the improvements, and we can't wait to see the finished makeover!"

Glen Stoker, Chair of the Friends of the Spode Rose Garden said, “As one of Stoke town’s few green spaces, our pocket park plays a crucial role in the fabric of the town - offering a chance to sit and enjoy a spot of nature in an otherwise built environment. Our garden is maintained by a small team of dedicated volunteers, who work hard to keep the space a welcoming environment for visitors. To have such generous support from the city council and companies and organisations in the private sector is so valuable in helping us to keep the garden blooming and thriving.”

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance, said: “The revitalisation of the Spode Rose Garden is a fantastic example of how we can breathe new life into our city’s heritage through partnership working. It’s great to see local businesses and volunteers working alongside the council to create a space that’s not only beautiful but a vital public space for the community.

“This project reflects our commitment to improving neighbourhoods and making Stoke-on-Trent a place where people feel connected, valued and proud to call the city home.”

Rachel Forster, Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator said: “By bringing together several of our local contractors the scale of the social value payback has had a far greater impact to enable the Friends of Rose Garden to improve the garden for the residents in Stoke-on-Trent.”

The refreshed Rose Garden, complete with its new hopscotch court, will be unveiled at a Centenary Garden Party on Sunday 21 September, from 1pm to 3pm. Morgan and Bond will also provide refreshments for the event.