PLANS to turn a derelict Wordsley glassworks factory into a sparkling new glass museum look set to get the green light next week.

Complex Development Projects' ambitious scheme to transform the old Stuart Crystal site into a £5.5m world class glass centre is finally set to go before Dudley planners on Monday (October 20).

The developers have been working with the British Glass Foundation for the last few years on the plan to develop the vandal-hit, listed Camp Hill site into a new home for the borough's prized glass collection.

Graham Fisher, BGF spokesman, said: "This is something I'm certain will be both welcomed and appreciated by the people of Stourbridge. We're not at the end of the tunnel but we can see the light. We're thrilled to bits to have got to this stage."

The museum will feature an iconic-glass frontage, open courtyard, canal-side restaurant/cafe, striking light sculpture marking the spot where the old White House Cone once stood and link facility to the Red House Glass Cone on the opposite side of the A491.

A report to the planning committee brands the proposal a "welcome opportunity to renovate and bring back into use buildings which are of historical importance to the borough".

Ian Harrabin, managing director of Complex Development Projects, said: "It's a fantastic project. It's taking something that's been derelict for years and turning it into a jewel. It will be light, bright and attractive and will provide a real focus for the community."

If approved as recommended, work will get underway at the beginning of January and the museum could be up and running by early 2016.

The Growing Places Fund has awarded £1.3m towards the scheme, which also includes 18 loft apartments, and the European Regional Development Fund has pledged £2.15m.

The money, however, will only cover the cost of restoring the shell of the old buildings. Further funds will need to be raised to cover the costs of fitting out the interior of the museum.