Firm galvanises old Willenhall JMI school - with VIDEO
An historic Black Country landmark featuring an iconic clock tower has undergone a multi-million pound transformation.
The former Little London JMI School in Willenhall, which closed more than a decade ago, has undergone a complete refurbishment to make it suitable for Wedge Group Galvanizing LTD.
The company, the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with 14 plants around the country, dates back to 1869 in Willenhall with records showing John Wedge running a galvanising business.
The galvanizing organisation has been at its current site, in Stafford Street, since 1876, but is now relocating to the nearby site of the former school which closed more than a decade ago.
The clock tower has been refurbished and protected as part of the redevelopment, offering offices and facilities for more than 20 staff.
Chris Woolridge, managing director of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to have restored the clock tower, which is of great significance to residents of the town.
“Our investment will see this historic site, which has been derelict for more than a decade, given a brand new lease of life and the opportunity to be a revered landmark in the community once again.
“Next year, we’ll celebrate 150 years since John Wedge began a galvanizing operation in Willenhall and what better way to do that than by continuing his legacy in new headquarters.”
The work has been carried out under the Considerate Contractors scheme, which contractors minimising disturbance to the area.
Wolverhampton architects Tweedale is the company behind the design.
Enhances
Michael Bates, director of architecture, said: "This has been a fantastic project to be involved in because of the challenge of creating a design that complements and enhances elements of the existing locally-listed building in a conservation area and respecting its history and key features.
“The design provides a contemporary, first class working environment and will give the building a new life for many years to come.”
The site was taken over by Wedge Group Galvanising in October and transformed from a crumbling relic.
The former school site was closed in 2007 and has been subject to spates of vandal attacks and fly-tipping.
Walsall Council approved the bid to transform the school into offices in 2016.
Diane Coughlan, Labour councillor for Willenhall South, said she was 'thrilled' with the results of the refurbishment.
She said: "It means a lot because originally it was a boys school, so we've got people in their 80s who went there. It was closed and Little London took it over and there's a clock tower which is locally listed.
"Wedge bought the site and have totally refurbished the site in keeping with the original designs. They've done a marvellous job and the community are really thrilled with the outcome."
