A giant storage facility is now open. Work had been underway to erect the huge hub in Fenton since last year.
Now Go Store Self Storage has opened its first city base in a move which pretty much wraps up developments on the one-time Diamond Gimson works site off King Street. The firm had closed the factory back in 1999, with the land cleared and redeveloped.
The space, on Alan Alfred Avenue, had previously seen a KFC, Costa and a large service station built.
Go Store is based at the far end of the King Street and A50 junction, with Lord Mayor Lyn Sharpe brought in to officially cut the ribbon and declare it open this month.
It also represents another storage facility setting up in the Potteries. But bosses with Go Store say the project has been an ‘investment in Stoke-on-Trent’s future’ and point to a lot of the construction and fit-out being done by local traders.
Meanwhile, during the build, historic pottery artefacts were found, which have been handed to the relevant bodies. The ribbon cutting also saw pizzas provided by Hanley’s Roberto’s Pizza House, the site’s first business customer.
The facility itself has more than 800 purpose-built storage rooms. It also has 24-hour CCTV, smartphone access control, along with free van hire and ‘extended access hours’.
The firm says such facilities prove popular with start-up companies, eBay traders and developing smaller businesses.
Store manager Andrew Harvey said: “We’re a social hub for small businesses. People pop in, grab a coffee, have a chat with us – it really helps with the isolation some entrepreneurs feel.”
Go Store says it will plant a tree for every new customer, while future plans also include solar panels being installed. Along with businesses and staff say they have people needing a unit while moving house, or going off travelling.
Jamie Galbraith, Go Store director, said: “Having a safe, clean place to leave your possessions in your own private storage room provides security and peace of mind. It’s also nice to look after people when they might be going through a difficult and stressful time. We’ve loved building this store and now it’s time to fill it up with people’s prize possessions.”
Fellow director Rory Windham said: “This has been a labour of love. We’ve created an outstandingly good building – not just secure and spacious, but attractive and welcoming. We are here to support businesses and families alike. This isn’t just a warehouse. It’s a useful, friendly business we’re proud to bring to Stoke-on-Trent.”
