RESIDENTS can view the construction progress of the borough’s new £6m archives and local history centre from a purpose-built platform.

The new centre is being built next to the Black Country Living Museum on Tipton Road, Dudley.

And Dudley Council’s archives service will move from its existing base in Coseley to the new state-of-the-art building next summer.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley’s cabinet member for housing, libraries and adult learning said: “The viewing platform located above the construction site of the new archives centre gives a brilliant view of the site and of the construction progress of the centre.

“I would encourage anyone passing by the site to take a look from the platform, as well as looking at the site hoardings which show the artist’s impression of the new centre.”

The new archives centre, which will house the borough’s historic documents dating back to the 12th century, will be eco-friendly and energy efficient, with latest facilities including IT and public Wi-fi services, education and conference rooms, a high-tech conservation studio, a rare books library and research area plus well-equipped search room.

The centre, which will also include free parking facilities, is being part funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the redevelopment of Dudley’s Castle Hill area.

The viewing platform can be accessed between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, from a door located within the construction site hoardings on Tipton Road.