AN iconic building has been restored to its former glory to bring some 1930's chic to Dudley town centre.

The former Co-Operative department store in the High Street has undergone a major refurbishment during a six-month project costing £600,000.

The work was carried out through Dudley Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dudley Council, English Heritage and the Housing and Communities Agency.

Cllr Judy Foster, Dudley cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This work ensures the gateway into the town at the top of the High Street is vastly improved for the town's residents, visitors and businesses.

“The restoration has been sensitively carried out and it is exciting to see this wonderful building brought back to life as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improve the town’s buildings and environment.”

The building was designed by Dudley architects Webb and Gray and was built by Black Country contractor Mark Round and Sons.

It opened in 1939 and was a major town centre store until 1989 when it closed to the public.

The restoration work included repairs to the roof and windows and cleaning and restoration of the Stourbridge-made tiles on the front of the four-storey building.

Cllr Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley cabinet member for transportation, said: “We are delighted with the end result and thank motorists in the area for their patience while the one-way system was in place at the top of the town while works were ongoing.

“Thankfully the work has been completed on schedule before Christmas to ensure the town is very much open for business at this busy time of the year.”

The completion of the project follows other Townscape Heritage Initiative restoration works including completed repair projects to Charlton House in New Street, Baylies Hall in Tower Street and the office refurbishment to Elizabeth House and Holloway Chambers.