A NEW apartment block created from the remains of a derelict former glassmaking factory brings a touch of London and New York style to Stourbridge, according to the developer behind the scheme which has been ten years in the making.
The long-awaited redevelopment of the old Stuart Crystal factory site in Wordsley is nearing completion and is set to be unveiled to the public for the first time this weekend.
Glass campaigners have spoken of their delight at seeing a new glass museum created from part of the old factory buildings on the Camp Hill site but a lesser talked about aspect of the development has seen a listed old flour mill turned glass factory transformed into a plush apartment block which brings the “style of London and New York warehouse lofts to Stourbridge” according to determined developer Ian Harrabin, of Complex Development Projects Ltd.
Mr Harrabin, who bought the site in 2004 from Waterford Crystal, says he’s pulled the historic buildings “back from the brink” following a series of arson attacks and onslaughts from the weather over the last ten years.
He said: “This is the result of some dogged determination. I’ve been passionate about it and I know local people are. The buildings got worse and worse and worse. I’m so pleased we didn’t lose them.”
He said each of the 18 loft apartments created in what’s being called The Mill at Stuart Works are individual and incorporate exposed brick walls, original cast iron columns, wood floors and timber beams and he added: “There are some very interesting spaces especially on upper levels where flats are two-storeys with high ceilings and exposed large timber trusses.
"There’s nothing like it locally. These will be some of the best apartments in the area.
“New build flats tend to be always the same with little space and character - we thought local people deserved to have a better alternative.
“I know there is a huge amount of local interest in the buildings due to their rich history.”
Although not entirely finished – the new apartments will be opened to the public for the first time this Saturday (June 11) to coincide with the launch of the neighbouring new ‘White House Cone - Museum of Glass” which will be run by the British Glass Foundation.
The open house event, running from midday until 4pm, will offer residents and potential buyers chance to see the progress on the site.
Mr Harrabin said: “Many local people have relatives who worked at Stuarts and so many people in the community have been so interested and involved in saving these buildings so we are keen for them to see the restoration. I hope they think we have done them proud.”
The one and two bedroom apartments are located on the upper floors of the old canal-side building, which was a flour mill in the early 1800s and later became part of the Stuart Crystal complex; meanwhile the ground floor has been given over to create space for three office units.
Work on The Mill is expected to be completed by the middle of August and the new homes will go on the market this weekend, with prices starting from £120,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Guided tours will coincide with the sneak preview event at the new multi-million pound glass museum, which will be open to the public from midday until 4pm.
For more information and prices for The Mill House contact Lex Allan on 01384 379450.
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