Hall's well as landmark to re-open

It has taken more than three years of painstaking restoration for the historic landmark to regain its place as the jewel in Bilston's crown.

And now bosses are finally preparing to officially unveil Bilston Town Hall.

A grand opening ceremony will be held at the historic landmark on September 19, it has been revealed today.

The ceremony has been announced just days after an historic organ was finally hoisted into place to help bring the Town Hall's ballroom back to life.

The 1,000-pipe Compton organ was first installed in the Lyric Cinema, Wellingborough, in 1936 and will now become the focus of tea dances, concerts and weddings which will be making a triumphant return to the town hall following the near £1 million revamp.

Wolverhampton's Mayor, Councillor Christine Mills will officially re-open the landmark along with Lord Dennis Turner of Bilston.

Invitations are being sent out to Bilston's stalwarts and councillors for the grand ceremony, which will mark a new era for the Grade II listed building, which stood empty for 14 years before the restoration work started.

Councillor Paddy Bradley, Wolverhampton City Council's regeneration chief, said: "They have done so well with the renovation and kept to the original features as much as possible. We are delighted the town hall will be re-opening again soon. It is fantastic for the people of Bilston to have this landmark back in use."

Councillor Bradley said a committee would be set up after the opening to oversee the management of the landmark site.

Workers moved into the grand building in April 2005 to start the refurbishment, which has included repairing the roof, stonework and windows.

The original clock at the Grade II listed building has also started ticking again after more than seven years and a new striking glass entrance has been created. Performing arts company Gazebo Theatre became the first occupants to move into the site last month.