VIDEO: 'White House Cone - Museum of Glass' in Wordsley hailed "bigger, better and more glamorous" than Broadfield House

Glass enthusiasts and campaigners turned out for a first glimpse inside the new multi-million pound attraction in Camp Hill, opposite the Red House Glass Cone, when it threw open its doors for a sneak preview of what's to come.

The British Glass Foundation has been working for the last six years with Complex Development Projects Ltd to turn the listed former Stuart Crystal glassworks site into a new museum to replace the world famous Broadfield House Glass Museum which - threatened with closure since 2009 - finally shut its doors last September due to Dudley Council budget cuts.

Graham Knowles, chairman of the BGF, said: "What we've achieved here has been through true partnership. The vision of the glass community was ahead of the rest of society. Hopefully this is a fitting tribute what we've now been able to achieve.

"We have the second finest collection of glass in the world - outside Corning this is the best, and with this facility we'll be able to display it to its best."

Graham Fisher, BGF spokesman, added: "We could not have done this without the support of the good people of Stourbridge. This is a facility for the people of Stourbridge."

Internationally renowned glass expert and author Charles Hajdamach described the new ultra-modern looking glass facility as "brilliant' and said: "It's a bigger, better and more glamorous replacement for Broadfield House. I think when people see it they will realise it was the right decision.

"The spaces are lovely. What the BGF has done is magic. They've worked really hard to get where we are today."

Steve Field, the borough's resident artist, said: "I think it's fantastic, I really like the space."

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said: "It's absolutely great - I think a lot of people will visit and this will highlight the name of Stourbridge glass."

While Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dave Tyler, described the facility as "wonderful" - adding: "I never thought we'd get to this point."

Visitors to the museum open day on June 11 were equally complimentary about the transformation of another listed building on the site, an 18th century former flour mill turned glass factory, which is being converted into 18 luxury loft apartments.

Roger Pauly, former managing director of the Stuart Crystal glassmaking firm which closed in 2001, couldn't resist having a look around the development, dubbed The Mill, which has been driven forward by Ian Harrabin, of Complex Development Projects Ltd, who wanted to bring a touch of London and New York chic to the Black Country.

Mr Pauly said: "I think it's lovely. It's a remarkable transformation by the architect and developer to save and bring new life to buildings of immense social, economic and historical importance."

Stourbridge estate agent Lex Allan, who is marketing the plush new properties, said: "I've been doing this for 30 years and I've never seen anything like it. I don't know another loft block that's harnessed the character like this."

The properties are now on the market, with prices starting from £120,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. While the ground floor of the block has been given over for offices.

The apartments are expected to be completed by August/September and it is hoped the new museum will be fully up and running in 2017.

The BGF still needs to properly fit out the new venue with suitable cabinets to display the borough's prized glass treasures which are currently in storage at Himley Hall.

Glass fans can, however, visit the new venture between midday and 4pm - Tuesday to Sunday - and see resident glassblower Allister Malcolm in action plus pop-up exhibition The Heat is On! which runs until July 10.

Visitors are also invited to give feedback on the new museum to help the BGF secure £780,000 worth of lottery cash for the internal fixtures and fittings.

The money has been agreed in principle but the group must prove the venture has the support of the public.