Plans unveiled to showcase Stourbridge as home of glass-making
Plans have been unveiled to showcase Stourbridge as the home of glass-making.
Details have emerged as Dudley Council published plans for a 10-year “Cultural Strategy” in papers set to go before the ruling cabinet.
It reveals plans to create an improved “Glass Quarter” to attract the next generation of glass makers and keep the town’s tradition going. A feasibility study is to be commissioned to determine future employment, education and tourism opportunities for the area.
It comes as work is almost complete on the £1.5 million restoration of the historic Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley.
The International Festival of Glass is also set to take place from August 23 to August 26, with events at Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge Museum of Glass and Ruskin Glass Centre.
In addition, plans have been unveiled for a giant arts “village” in Lye which could be the new home for a national youth orchestra and other creatives.
The Steamyard project would see a five-acre site developed next to the railway station in the town.
The strategy also reaffirms a commitment to the UNESCO Global Geopark, and the ongoing developments at Castle Hill.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said:
“This is a very important document which sets out our strategy for the borough to become a place where people from all walks of life can enjoy culture.
“It identifies a handful of very important large-scale schemes which will help drive us towards our goal.
“That goal, ultimately, is for everyone to access culture as they want to, no matter who they are or what background they come from.
“It might be within one of our many green spaces across the borough. It might be beside a canal, or on a high street. It might be in a venue or on a stage.
“It will recognise the importance of our past, such as our strong links with glass-making nationally, and also shape our future, with big developments in Lye and at Castle Hill.”
The strategy will be discussed at the next meeting of Dudley Council’s cabinet on Thursday August 8. Members of the public are welcome to attend.