Go-ahead for plans to turn Dudley museum into escape rooms and indoor cricket and golf centre
Plans to turn Dudley's former museum and art gallery building into a 'fun city' leisure complex have been given the go-ahead, despite opposition from a councillor.
The plan to turn the building into a centre for indoor cricket, mini-golf, laser-tagging and escapology, forms the cornerstone of a £4 million 'leisure quarter' for the town, also including an hotel and restaurant.
It has been given the go-ahead by Dudley Council's planning department, despite an objection from Councillor Cathy Bayton, who feared it could lead to an increase in crime, noise and anti-social behaviour.
The Grade II listed red-brick building, on the corner of Priory Street and St James's Road, has been empty since it was closed by the council in 2016. The plans, by Dudley-based Hush Property Developments, include a food court and bar on the ground floor and a soft-play area for children.
Laser-tagging and indoor cricket will be on the first floor with a spectator area, while the basement will be turned into an escape-room adventure game.
Councillor Bayton said the building adjoined the neighbouring Herald Court sheltered housing scheme, populated mainly by elderly people with a variety of health conditions.
She said residents would suffer from increased noise, both during the renovation work, and also from visitors late into the evening.
