£1.5m is to be spent on restoring Wordsley’s Red House Glass Cone which has been closed to visitors for more than two years due to due safety concerns.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, today confirmed the local authority’s commitment to repair the Grade II listed glass cone, which dates back to 1794 and is a scheduled monument.

Works are to be carried out to the internal and external structure, including the removal of weeds, to preserve the historic building for future generations.

Cllr Phipps said: “We’re very lucky to have such a well-preserved historic monument in our local area, which ties into hundreds of years of history.

“It would be remiss of the council not to make the absolute most of such a wonderfully historic building.

“Which is why we’re putting in £1.5 million to restore the structure, and keep the Red House Glass Cone educating and entertaining people from all over for another hundred years.”

The hot glass studio connected to the cone will also be refurbished from the autumn.

Brierley Hill councillor Adam Davies said: “It's so important that we protect the icons of our local heritage. That's why as soon as I was elected last May, I began working with council officers and the cabinet member for regeneration to make sure we have a firm plan to repair the cone and preserve this unique structure which we are so lucky to have in our ward.

“We've successfully restored Brierley Hill War Memorial, and now we've secured the funding to restore the Red House Glass Cone – ensuring our heritage at both ends of the Brierley Hill ward is preserved for generations to come.”

Dudley South MP Mike Wood added: "This new investment from the council will go a long way to securing the future of the Red House Glass Cone.”