Local campaigners have welcomed the news that £1.5m is to be invested in the Red House Cone, Wordlsey’s Grade II listed Glass Cone that was built in 1794.

Now a museum, the Red House Cone will undergo works to the internal and external structure, including the removal of weeds, to protect its future and create new ways for people to enjoy the Cone and learn about the history of glass production in the area.

From this Autumn, there will also be a newly refurbished Hot Glass Studio connected to the cone, which will house cutting edge glass making equipment which can be used for demonstrations of the centuries old art of glass blowing.

Local Councillor Adam Davies, Mike Wood MP and campaigner Ben Corfield welcomed the commitment made by Dudley Council to restore the cone. Cllr Davies said:

“It's so important that we protect the icons of our local heritage. That's why as soon as I was elected last May, I began working with council officers and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration to make sure we have a firm plan to repair the Cone and preserve this unique structure which we are so lucky to have in our ward. 

"We've successfully restored Brierley Hill War Memorial, and now we've secured the funding to restore the Red House Glass Cone – ensuring that our heritage at both ends of the Brierley Hill ward is preserved for generations to come.”

Dudley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Simon Phipps, joined campaigners in their enthusiasm for the Red House Cone’s future, saying:

“We’re very lucky to have such a well-preserved historic monument in our local area, which ties into hundreds of years of history. It would be remiss of the council not to make the absolute most of such a wonderfully historic building.

That's why we’re putting in £1.5 million to restore the structure, and keep the Red House Glass Cone educating and entertaining people from all over for another hundred years.”