IN PICTURES: Restored chapels ready for ceremonies

Work to bring the Lye and Wollescote Chapels back into use after more than 20 years in the doldrums is now complete with the scaffolding which has surrounded the building for months having been removed to reveal an impressive structure.

The Grade II listed chapels have been transformed from a tired and crumbling building to a modern site fit for the 21st century.

The building in Cemetery Road, Lye, has been converted into a venue for civil ceremonies, including weddings and christenings and renamed the Thomas Robinson Building, after its original architect.

Some 40 couples have already enquired about holding ceremonies there.

The Victorian chapels have been closed since 1993 and there were real fears in recent years they could be knocked down and lost forever. The refurbishment has seen them maintain their historic character while ensuring they are fresh for a new era.

It has been a fairly speedy turnaround, with the work having been completed in less than a year by Croft Building and Conservation, the company which is also behind the new glass museum in Wordsley.

Masonry and stonework have been touched up, stain glass windows repaired and replaced, while the weather vane on top of the spire was taken away to be repaired. As well as revamping the chapels, history trails and information points are to be added to the cemetery to improve people's understanding of the historical significance of the site. West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust secured a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund allowing the long-awaited project to begin.

Member Jean Weston said: "At one time there was a danger they would be demolished.

"Not many chapels have survived, a lot of them have been demolished. It fell into disrepair and when you have got a building like that it becomes prone to vandalism.

"Once these buildings are gone they are gone for good. Buildings like that should be preserved – it's 137 years old. I'm a keen advocate of preserving history, tangible history."

Wollescote councillor Richard Body said he was delighted such an important building had been restored and would be welcoming everybody to get married.

He said: "I think it's wonderful that it's going to be used as a wedding venue which everyone can use. I have lived in the area my whole life and knew the chapels when they were used. They have been closed for a long time and having it as a wedding venue is great.

"Many old churches aren't in use anymore so it's wonderful that we've been able to open the chapels again."