They are needed by planners for an imaginative transformation of the site where Spode ceased manufacturing two years ago.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has called for expressions of interest to develop the 10 acre site in Elenora Street, Stoke, which it recently bought for £3.5 million in a deal which took a year to complete.

Companies have until mid-February to submit their plans; and residents' leaders in the town are calling for proposals that would give a modern twist on the heritage of the Spode name.

The site and buildings are a focus for the Stoke Town masterplan currently being drawn up by architects and heritage experts.

And the February 14 deadline has been imposed for bids so they can be reviewed alongside the masterplan process. Mervin Smith, council cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: "The former Spode pottery site is an intrinsic part of Stoke town.

"At present we are exploring all the options available for not only the town as a whole but the Spode site as well."

Spode - a world renowned, iconic name in design and ceramics - started making ware at the potbank in 1776 but about half of the site has already been cleared creating a potential five-acre prime development close to the town hall and university quarter. The remaining land is occupied by predominantly listed buildings of both heritage merit and development potential.

URBED - the team behind the Stoke town masterplan - has already staged an exhibition giving residents a first glimpse at initial proposals for the development.

Once their comments have been analysed preferred options for the site will be unveiled in Spring.

Marg Hardcastle, chairman of Stoke West and Oakhill Community Association (SWOCA), said: "Spode is a fantastic name and we would want to see schemes building on that but giving it a modern twist.

"Maybe a mix of cafes and retail outlets which will noth appeal to the many working in the town and also bring in visitors to spend money. But we don't want to see it cut off from the rest of the town."

(The Sentinel - 20/01/11)