FOLLOWING 13 years of hard work and £1.2 million of funding, one of Stourbridge’s landmark buildings has been restored to its former glory.

The Grade II-listed Thomas Robinson Building, formally known as Lye & Wollescote Cemetery Chapels, has undergone substantial work to turn it into a building fit for community use.

At a recent restoration completion ceremony, guests and local dignitaries got the first glimpse inside the renovated building, which is due to host a council registration office for civil ceremonies, as well as act as a community hub.

The building has been renovated inside and out with a redesigned layout, featuring a large registry office and community rooms, as well as restored flooring and new stained glass windows.

David Trevis-Smith, project organiser for West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, has been working on the restoration since 2003.

At that time the trust were told nothing could be done to save the building – which had been redundant since 1993 – as it was not listed.

Speaking at the ceremony Mr Trevis-Smith said: “We didn’t get off to the best of starts as the building was deteriorating, the costs of repairs were going beyond what it was worth and it was a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

“But the local community have always had an emotional connection with this building and the importance that was attached to it, so we couldn’t let it continue in the state it was.

“Dudley Council picked up the issue and went to English Heritage to get the building listed and when their bid was successful in 2005, it meant the trust could look at it.

“Years passed because we struggled to get the funding for the changes, as the building was said to have religious connotations.

“But when we looked into it further, we discovered that the building doesn’t actually contain religious items, so then all of a sudden the doors opened to what could be achieved.”

In 2013, the trust could finally turn to the Heritage Lottery Fund – which had previously rejected the building due to it only having religious use – and the HLF provided the money necessary to complete the project.

Sue Beardsmore, broadcast journalist and HLF spokeswoman, said: “The building is absolutely fantastic.

“I came about a year ago and couldn’t imagine what was going to happen, so I am thrilled to be invited to see the amazing project finally completed.

“But on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund, we are thrilled to see the restoration work on the fine Thomas Robinson Building.

“We have been delighted to work with the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust on this really imaginative project, that has not only saved these rare Grade II-listed chapels from further deterioration, but it has breathed new life into them.”

Mr Trevis-Smith added: “Although this is a trust project, there would have been no way it would have been completed if it wasn’t for the great help of Dudley Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“It has been a collaborative effort from many people, and it is great to see the 13 years of hard work have finally paid off.”

An open day and wedding exhibition will be held at the Thomas Robinson Building on March 19 for the public and prospective brides-to-be to look at the venue.