Historic former ironworks site in Stourbridge to be transformed
An historic former ironworks in Stourbridge is set to be brought back into use as a base for a heritage centre and healthcare training, in a bid to 'transform the area'.
An application has been lodged for Riverside House, next to the Stourbridge Canal, with more than £80,000 ploughed into it.
Bosses say they hope to bring the site of 'historical and national significance' back into use as a heritage centre with cafe, restaurant and craft shop selling local produce with a woodland area.
The Riverside Stourbridge Community Interest Company would be working alongside adults in health and social care to help them develop confidence and practical skills.
Lloyd Stacey, managing director, said work would get underway in the next six months.
He explained: "This is an amazing project that will transform the area.
"This old ironworks is one of the most important sites in Dudley in terms of historical and national significance.
"We are taking on the old iron masters house and his estate along with ancillary workshops including the remnants of the stables and outbuildings.
"All being well we will start building work within the next six months and then get everything else in place."
Plans put forward to Dudley Council on October 23 also detail container facilities including rest space and canteen area and small kitchen. Waterless toilets will also be installed.
The building will have a round porthole windows to match the nearby Lion Health Medical Centre and an overhanging green roof to provide extra shelter.
Mr Stacey continued: "So far we have had £82,000 funding from different regional and national funders and also the council community forum.
"The other side of this is working with adults in health and social care to help them develop skills. This is a place where heritage, community and culture can be seriously integrated with provisions for this group.
"We will also convert shipping containers into kitchen and dining space and we have lottery funding for waterless toilets."
Councillor Rachel Harris said: "We welcome the exciting proposals being put forward and look forward to further discussions about how they might benefit people with autism and mental health problems in Dudley."
It comes as a canal-side transformation besides the site began earlier this year.
It included the removal of graffiti, cutting back of trees and undergrowth, brightening up brickwork and restoring the historic interpretation panel.
