Wightwick Manor in line for revamp to boost visits

A new tea-room, kitchen and shop will be created at Wolverhampton's Wightwick Manor in plans revealed today which bosses hope will lead to more tourist visits.

The popular tourist attraction will also get new pathways and landscaping as part of the project. Last year, 52,000 people visited the listed Victorian manor house, in Wightwick Bank.

The tea-room, which would accommodate 60 customers, would be built on the current site of the historic stable and carriage house. Bosses at National Trust have now submitted plans to Wolverhampton City Council for the partial demolition of the building and to create an extension.

Bosses will consider the plans on January 3 and have recommended approval.

"The proposals will create a viable economic use for the former stable and coach buildings, which are currently underused," a report to the planning committee reads.

"They will help sustain this unique heritage asset and tourist attraction. The development would respect the special architectural and historic interest of the listed buildings."

As part of the revamp, there would also be alterations to the existing garage.