Workers on site to restore Red House Glass Cone, Wordsley

Giant steel platforms and scaffolding have been erected around the iconic cone in Camp Hill to enable extensive restoration work to take place.

With scaffolding now fully in place around the Grade II listed landmark, which is a scheduled ancient monument, workers have been seen getting on with the arduous job of carefully removing vegetation that has been sprouting from the bricks and removing old mortar so the building can be repointed from top to bottom with authentic lime mortar and restored to its former glory.

Photographer Alan Meese captured the heavily scaffolded cone and workers on-site on camera earlier today (Thursday January 18).

Scaffolding wrapped around the Red House Glass Cone (Image: Alan Meese)

Dudley Council confirmed the sensitive works, which are expected to take around 18 months, have now got underway in earnest.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and economic delivery, said: “Restoration work is being undertaken to the outside and inside of the Red House Glass Cone’s Grade II listed structure, with scaffolding now fully erected.

Vegetation pictured protruding from the Red House Glass Cone (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

“Work to clear self-seeding buddleia and aged mortar is underway, the brickwork will then be repointed, and drainage improvements made, before scaffolding can be fully removed in the autumn.

“The visitor attraction is open throughout, with all businesses and craft studios accessible as normal and a range of events and workshops are available to book through the council’s website.”

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

The restoration project will also include creating access to the tunnels, revamping the hot glass studio and works to make the cone more accessible to wheelchair users.