Character and Heritage

The Royal Infirmary was first established in 1869. The first building was expanded and altered through the 19th and 20th centuries, with the expansion of the original building alongside new building over the years.

The majority of the buildings have now been demolished and the site has been cleared, although three buildings have been retained:

  • The western entrance block has been retained and is considered of historic significance. The pavilion ward wings have been demolished;
  • The former gatehouse (Windsor House), which is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset; and
  • A 20th century office building which has no heritage significance and will be demolished as part of the proposed development.

The character of Hartshill is rooted in the history of Stoke-upon-Trent and the character of the area is marked by its distinctive architecture, defined in the Hartshill Conservation Area. The north-west corner of the Royal  Infirmary site lies within the Conservation Area, which extends to the southwest to include Hartshill Cemetery, and the boundary runs along Queens Road.

Minton Cottages, Hartshill Road
Queens Road
Princes Road
Site Elevations

A wide range of buildings were built from the eighteenth to twentieth century and span a range of scales and styles. Of particular interest is the area around Holy Trinity Church, immediately to the north of the site. Herbert Minton commissioned Sir Gilbert Scott to develop a masterplan for the area, including the development of Holy Trinity Church, a vicarage, school and Minton Cottages on Hartshill Road.

The proposals will draw from the character of the existing area, building on the character, form, scale and rhythm of the existing buildings.

  • An architectural set piece will be established around the original Royal Infirmary HQ building. The new buildings will sit gently with the infirmary building and of a slightly lesser scale, but specifically designed to elevate the character of this area;
  • Development along Princes Road will be designed to integrate with the existing character of the street;
  • Development along Queens Road will be elevated above the street; and
  • Development to the northern apex of the site will interlace with the landscape and public realm spaces and integrate directly with the existing community.