AN historic grade II listed building in Dudley has been given a new lease of life after an injection of public cash.

Charlton House on the corner of New Street and Priory Street in Dudley town centre had fallen into disrepair but, after a restoration project costing £300,000, the building is set to open on Friday September 6 as a restaurant.

The revamp started in March 2012 and included substantial internal and external repairs.

The work has been carried out by building owner Jagdish Singh with grant assistance through the Dudley Townscape Heritage Initiative, supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dudley Council, English Heritage and the Housing and Communities Agency.

Councillor Judy Foster, Dudley cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This building had deteriorated until it was bought by the current owners who have shown great determination to refurbish it for use as a restaurant.

"I am delighted that through the council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative we have been able to support this project and help restore another historic building and help create a new business and five new jobs as a result.”

Jagdish Singh, added: “We are delighted to be in a position to open the restaurant in this historic building which gives us an excellent foundation for a successful restaurant. We are very grateful to the support we have received from Dudley Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations which have supported us along the way.”