THE long-awaited restoration of Wordsley’s Red House Glass Cone will get underway soon, following the erection of scaffolding around the listed landmark.

A huge crane was seen lifting scaffolding into place on Thursday October 26 ahead of work to repoint the cone and remove vegetation that has been sprouting from the structure which is a Grade II* listed, Scheduled Ancient monument.

Bridge Street was closed to traffic on Thursday and today (Friday October 27) for the scaffolding to be installed and the site itself has been closed to all staff, tenants and visitors.

It is expected to re-open on Saturday October 28 although the cone structure itself and the hot glass studio will be closed until the restoration works are complete.

Dudley News: Red House Glass Cone pictured from the air as the scaffolding is erectedRed House Glass Cone pictured from the air as the scaffolding is erected (Image: @inspireddroneimaging)

Dudley Council is spending £1.5million on the vital works which are expected to take around 18 months and which will see the entire cone structure repointed from top to bottom with authentic lime mortar.

The council has worked with an accredited historic architect and Historic England to secure permission to start the sensitive works which must be carried out using authentic techniques and materials to remain true to the cone’s history.

Dudley News: Scaffolding being put up at the historic Red House Glass ConeScaffolding being put up at the historic Red House Glass Cone (Image: @inspireddroneimaging)

The restoration project will also improve drainage around the building and access to the tunnels. Inside the cone the internal gantry and lift will be removed to create a more open accessible space.

A new lift will be put in by the visitor centre to allow wheelchair access to the upper level where a viewing platform will allow people to see into the cone.

The hot glass studio is also due to be remodelled.

Councillor Adam Davies, who represents the Audnam area of Wordsley, said: "It is so good to see the external scaffolding now taking shape - enabling this important work to preserve and protect the cone which is such a proud landmark of our area. 

"This project is really important to local people - not least because so many worked in our glassmaking industry or, like me, had family members who did."