Exciting plans have been unveiled which could see overnight accommodation opened up for wedding guests at Himley Hall.

The rooms - which would be created by converting the former Laundry Block of the Grade II listed building - will also be available for use by businessmen and women visiting the borough during the week.

Separate plans are also being drawn up to turn a former stable block at Himley Hall into luxury apartments to give people the opportunity to live in the scenic surroundings of the park. The block is currently host to training facilities, which will be re-located as part of the plans.

Bosses at Dudley Council, which owns the building, said the two developments would bring in much-needed cash. They reiterated it was further evidence the local authority had no plans to sell off a building that has previously been dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

“Himley Hall remains very popular for weddings, and we are often asked when people make enquiries with us if overnight accommodation is available on site. When we tell them no, on some occasions people drop out altogether and choose to book other venues.

Others still have their wedding at Himley, but use other accommodation close by. So we are losing out on a potential income stream, both for the hall and the council, which these plans for hotel rooms will look to address. It will also enhance the experience of those who choose Himley to host their special day."

As the Hall is a listed building, the council is working closely with Historic England to consider heritage issues throughout the conversions. Costings for the scheme are currently being calculated, but it is hoped the revenue generated from the plans will be sufficient over time to cover all costs. Cllr Kettle added:

“With regard to the apartments, we have seen how other stately homes have generated capital and income from using buildings within the grounds for high quality housing.

“We think there is a real market to generate some much needed income for the council while providing quality accommodation that we hope will be sought after.”

The grounds and Hall will still be fully open to the public and unaffected by the new plans, while popular events such as the Himley Bonfire and Armed Forces Day will see no change. Formal plans are expected to be submitted for consideration later this year.