Molineux Hotel back in action
It's been a monumental task – five years in the making - but the work of restoring Wolverhampton's historic Molineux Hotel is complete.
Contractors have handed over the keys of the iconic building to the city council, in what is a major step towards it being brought back into use.
It has been empty for almost 25 years and suffered massive damage in an arson attack in 2003.
Now its ruined features have been repaired or replaced and a brand new extension built. In the spring, it will become the new home of the city's archive service.
Regeneration cabinet member Councillor Paddy Bradley said: "I am sure the people of Wolverhampton will agree that the completed restoration of this important, historical landmark is a great day for the city."
The building has been fully decorated and work to move the contents of the former archives, which was based in Snow Hill, is ongoing. Contractors are currently repaving and widening Molineux Alley ahead of the building's grand opening, later this year.
Around £3.3 million of the total cost of the project has been met by a grant from Heritage Lottery fund.
Molineux Hotel was built as a private residence in around 1720 and became a home for the Molineux family for more than 100 years.
Under new ownership from 1860, it became a hotel and the grounds became pleasure gardens.
By 1979 it had fallen into disrepair and closed. The huge fire in 2003 destroyed the roof and floors, prompting the council to take it on.
