Stourbridge visitor attraction set to reopen after £1.5m refurbishment
An historic Stourbridge attraction is set for an official reopening this weekend after a year of partial closures to the Grade II listed site.
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The Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley is preparing to hold a Christmas craft fair and official reopening event this weekend.
The Dudley Council run Red House Glass Cone site in Wordsley has undergone a £1.5 million restoration over the last 12 months, with partial closures running throughout the year while repointing and brick restoration work was completed on the 100ft structure, which was built in 1794.
The authority says an official reopening by the Mayor of Dudley on Saturday (November 23) will mark the completion of the programme, which will also coincide with a Christmas Craft fair on the site this weekend.
Refurbishment works began last year on Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, which is one of only four surviving glass cones in the UK.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said: “The Red House Glass Cone offers a unique experience, and I am sure there will be many visitors kickstarting their Christmas celebrations with the events taking place this weekend.
“We are thrilled to be fully reopening, after an incredible programme of works that has been undertaken to protect and conserve this precious site for future generations.
“During the restoration, the cone’s visitor centre, shop and studios have remained open and were recently assessed by VisitEngland. For the third year running, the site has secured gold status from the national tourism agency.”
The Mayor of Dudley will officially reopen the site at 1.30pm, as part of an event funded by Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund. People can enjoy refreshments on site from onsite ‘Café 2 U’, a Christmas choir will perform at 2pm, and Mrs Clause and Santa will be on site for seasonal photo opportunities throughout the day.
Handmade quality goods will be available in the Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November, from 11am to 4pm on both days, and the cone’s Christmas shop is now open.
The annual Christmas Tree Festival will begin over the weekend and people will also be able to take part in the Christmas trail, which runs until December 21, with the first 150 children who complete the trail to receive a keepsake glass token, made on site by resident artist Bethany Wood.
