Next phase of work at the cone

Bridge Street and Mill Street were closed one day last week while a crane lifted the 28m long beams into place to form a base for the external scaffold.

The base encircles the entire cone, allowing a complete scaffolding structure to go up around the exterior. Technicians will then be able to repoint the entire structure from top to bottom with authentic lime mortar. Vegetation sprouting from the Cone will be carefully removed on a phased basis.

Scaffolding in the interior is also complete, allowing work to begin inside.

Dudley Council is investing £1.5million to cover the cost of the restoration and the ongoing work is expected to take 18 months in total. Additional work will include new drainage around the building and access to the tunnels. Inside the Cone the internal gantry and lift have already been removed to create a more open accessible space.

A new lift will be put in place by the visitor centre to allow wheelchair access to the upper level where a viewing window will also allow people to see into the Cone. The hot glass studio is also to be remodelled.

Councillor Paul Bradley, cabinet member for communities and economic delivery, said:

“The installation of this base went really smoothly and I’m grateful to residents for bearing with us when we had to close the road for the day. Fortunately the team worked quickly and we were able to re-open the site the following day.

“The base is an impressive structure and will allow our specialist contractors to continue with the rest of the intricate scaffolding installation to allow the actual restoration to begin.”

“While the hot glass studio and cone itself are still shut, we’re pleased to be fully open for half-term event and have a host of activities for children and families to enjoy.”

As a Grade II* listed, Scheduled Ancient monument, the council has worked with an Accredited Historic Architect and Historic England to secure the appropriate permission to begin the sensitive works. The authority is bound within these to restore the Cone using authentic techniques and materials to remain true to the Cone’s history.