Jobs boost at £3m education centre in Dudley
New jobs will be created at a new £3 million education centre at Dudley Canal Trust which is due to open later this year.
The attraction will be recruiting for around a dozen roles, many in the new cafe and restaurant.
Building work continues throughout the summer and is on schedule to be completed in the autumn.
Chief executive of Dudley Canal Trust Trips Ltd Nick Morris said: "We are thrilled to be able to contribute so positively to the local economy.
"As well as creating new jobs we look forward to doing our bit for tourism in the area with this fantastic new facility."
The Portal, on Todd's End off the Birmingham New Road, will outline the Black Country's industrial past with exhibits inside a two-storey building.
The top floor will provide a direct access from the boat trips car park.
Officials are planning an interactive exhibition in the Biffa Award gallery and people can dine in the new restaurant.
Visitors will be 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.
It is hoped the new education centre will draw tourists from across the country.
Mr Morris said: "The Portal is creating a huge buzz right now.
"Staff, volunteers and visitors are all excited about what's coming and you can see why.
"It's a huge step forward for us in what we can offer our visitors and the local community."
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
Boat trips into the limestone mines are continuing as normal whilst the construction work is going on.
