Restoration of key Dudley town buildings gets underway (From Dudley News)
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Restoration of key Dudley town buildings gets underway
12:30pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News
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Cllr Shaukat Ali, cabinet member for economic regeneration, Jennie Wright and John Pawson from contractors R Bennett & Co Ltd launch the beginning of restoration work at three key Dudley town centre buildings. Buy photo: 401216J
A POTENTIAL 50 jobs are set to be created in Dudley town centre after work begins to renovate three key buildings into office-space.
Work has got underway to refurbish the council-owned Elizabeth House, Holloway Chambers and Holloway Hall in Priory Street at a cost of £590,000, supported by a grant from the Dudley Townscape Heritage Initiative.
Work to the three buildings, which date back to 1908 and feature early Edwardian architecture, will include external repairs, internal refurbishments and improvements to disabled facilities.
The Dudley Townscape Heritage Initiative has already helped restore a number of buildings in the town centre over recent months, including the former Crown public house in Wolverhampton Street, Baylies Hall in Tower Street and the old Ace Disks shop at the top of High Street.
Work is also currently progressing at offices in Castle Street and Charlton House in New Street.
Speaking about the latest renovations, Councillor Shaukat Ali, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The refurbishment of these three buildings is another key step in revitalising Dudley town centre. Once the work has been completed the buildings will have the potential to support around 50 new jobs in the town near to where the new café-restaurant will be opening up at the former Carvers Café on Stone Street Square.
“Historically the buildings were occupied by solicitors, accountants and other professional services and we are confident there is a demand in Dudley for this high quality office space. The council will certainly be looking to offer affordable rents on flexible terms to help support job creation in the borough.”
