Express & Star

Work starts on £3m Dudley canal education centre

Work is starting on a £3 million education centre at Dudley Canal Tunnel - the latest stage of a multi-million pound tourism project transforming the town.

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Builders have moved in to create the attraction to be known as The Portal which it is hoped will bring in tourists from across the country.

It coincides with the £10 million revamp of Castle Hill helping to link the tunnels, Dudley Zoo and Castle and Black Country Living Museum.

Mark Redfern from Dudley looks at the building work

Officials from Dudley Canal Trust which manage the historic tunnel and limestone mines today heralded the works for bringing their vision to life.

Skipper Becky Wright from Kates Hill with the work starting at Dudley Canal Trust in the background

Visitors will be able to get a glimpse of the future of the Todd's End site, off Birmingham New Road, as the building work gets under way.

The Portal will outline the Black Country's industrial past with exhibits inside a two-storey building with the top floor providing a direct access from the boat trips car park.

Dudley Canal Trust Trips Ltd chief executive, Nick Morris, said: "We are delighted to see such progress on our new facility.

"Our underground experience is a unique attraction, and we are looking forward to having a building for our visitors that does it justice.

The building is due to open in the autumn.

Work is already moving forward at Dudley Canal Trust

There will be an interactive exhibition in the Biffa Award gallery, or can dine in a new restaurant planned.

Work is already moving forward at Dudley Canal Trust

People will able to have a drink on the balcony overlooking the canal, take part in workshops in the learning space or hold functions at the centre.

Mr Morris added: "The new building will be a huge step forward for us in terms of what we can offer visitors.

An artist's impression of the centre

"Whether you're booking a wedding reception with us or bringing the family for a day out, we can't wait to show you everything new we have planned for the coming year and beyond."

Plans for The Portal were first announced by Dudley Canal Trust around three years ago.

It has been supported by grants from organisations including Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund, Black Country Local Area Partnership and Biffa Award

Officials hope moves to improve links between the three attractions with other new features such as The Portal centre will bring up to a million visitors a year to Dudley.

Building work continues throughout the summer, and boat trips into the limestone mines continue as normal whilst the work is going on.

Visitors are encouraged to visit and view the work from the construction viewing platform at car park level, as well as from the canal side.

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