Details announced for film about Chance Glassworks
With an impressive lighthouse shining out across the skyline this picture shows how the former Chance Glassworks could be brought back to life as momentum gathers behind the £25 million project.
Chance Glassworks was once one of the country's most famous glassworks in its heyday and now it looks like rescuing the piece of history is closer than ever with hopes work could start by the end of the year.
The site on Spon Lane in Smethwick has been neglected for the past 35 years but now a masterplan to regenerate the site to create homes, offices and shops is on the verge of being launched promising to create hundreds of new jobs. Council leaders, officials, businessmen and members of the public gathered at Sandwell Council House yesterday to push the scheme forward.
As part of the consultation Chance Glassworks Heritage Trust and launched their new short film about the factory and people were encouraged to share their ideas about the restoration.
Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Steve Eling said: "Chances Glass Works is of real significance to the heritage of the area and I am fully supportive of restoring this historic site.
"I'm really excited about this project and look forward to seeing the restoration work progressing on site.”
Mark Davies, chairman of the Chance Glass Works Heritage Trust, said: “This is the start of a really exciting project that will help to regenerate and re-energise the area, creating hundreds of jobs and training opportunities for local people.
“This event was a great opportunity for people to contribute their ideas at this early stage of development."
During the event there was an interactive workshop where members of the public could give their views on the project and help shape what the site will look like in the future.
