Scaffolding coming down as Wordsley glass cone works progress

The £1.5million restoration project is progressing well, Dudley Council bosses have said, with work set to take place next week to dismantle the scaffolding that has obscured the historic cone for the last few months.

Painstaking work to restore the lime mortar internally and externally and to remove vegetation sprouting from the Grade II* listed scheduled ancient monument has now been completed, with the focus now on renovating the flooring and upgrading lighting.

Helen Martin, director of regeneration and enterprise at Dudley Council, said: “Our £1.5million restoration of the Red House Cone is progressing well, with the site expected to be fully open to public later this summer.

“We’ve recently seen the new glass dome craned into place at the top of the cone and scaffolding is already starting to come down.

“All of the work to restore lime mortar inside and out is now complete and work is underway to restore the flooring and upgrade the lighting.

“While this final work takes place, the site is still open to the public, including the shop and studios.”

The council has worked with an accredited historic architect and Historic England to bring about the sensitive works which have had to be carried out using authentic techniques and materials to remain true to the cone’s history.

As the scaffolding is taken down, the one-way order in Mill Street will be temporarily suspended on Thursday June 20 to enable a crane to be brought in.

The suspension will be from the junction of Plant Street to a point 60 metres southeast from the junction.

Traffic will be diverted via: High Street, Brierley Hill Road, Mill Street and vice versa.

As well as safeguarding the landmark cone for future generations, the works will improve drainage around the building and access to the tunnels. The attraction will also be made more accessible and the hot glass studio is being remodelled as part of the project.