Plans for £3m canal centre are unveiled
A £3million education, exhibition and heritage centre will be built by Dudley Canal Trust under new plans unveiled today.
The building, called The Portal, to be sited at the canal tunnel entrance at Todds End, will outline the Black Country's industrial past.
The proposals are for a two-storey building with the top floor providing a direct access from the boat trips car park off the Birmingham New Road. A lift would be installed to enable people to get to and from the towpath and visitor embarkation wharf.
A swing bridge would also be installed to enable visitors from the Black Country Living Museum on the opposite side of the canal to access the ticket office, trip boats and heritage and learning centre.
A planning application for the scheme has been lodged with Dudley Council and a bid for Heritage Lottery cash to help fund the project has also been submitted.
Project manager David Trevis-Smith said if everything goes according to plan, work will get under way on the new building in October next year and be ready to welcome visitors in summer 2014.
"This is something that Dudley Canal Trust has been working on, with partners, for a quite a number of years. The building will be a great addition for Dudley Canal Trust."
Tens of thousands of people visit the network of canal tunnels, 200 years old limestone mines and world famous fossil beds every year. Two years ago, the canal trust received £118,000 from the HLF to help draw up the plans for the building.
The canal trust is inviting members and supporters to make donations to the scheme. For information visit www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk
