'One of our town's greatest hidden treasures': Government support sought for ambitious Dudley Canal and Cavern plans - latest detail of the scheme here

She tabled a question to Emma Hardy, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs during a discussion.

Sonia Kumar asked the minister what support the Government would provide to help deliver the new vision for Dudley Canal & Caverns — a project designed to enhance visitor experiences, strengthen community engagement, and explore the long-term reopening of the Wren’s Nest Tunnel connection.

The Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust has launched a new masterplan, “Connection through Place”, focused on modernising the Portal Visitor Centre, expanding learning and event spaces, upgrading exhibitions and café facilities, and developing new heritage-led regeneration links.

Ms Kumar said: “Dudley Canal & Caverns is one of our town’s greatest hidden treasures — a living reminder of our industrial story and a gateway to our World Heritage landscape.

"The plans unveiled by the Trust show real ambition for Dudley’s future.

"I was proud to raise this in parliament and to ask how the Government can support this exciting vision — from upgrading the visitor experience to exploring the reopening of Wren’s Nest Tunnel, connecting more people with the incredible history and geology beneath our feet.

This is about heritage, regeneration, and community working hand in hand. It has my full support.”

Paul Crofts, CEO of Dudley Canal & Caverns Trust, said: “Dudley Canal & Caverns was pleased to hear Sonia ask about support for our new vision, particularly our aspirations to formally launch our intent to understand feasibility and approach to the re-opening of Wren’s Nest Tunnel and subsequently the connection of Dudley to Wren’s Nest and the true wonders that this World UNESCO Heritage Site has to offer.

"We formally launched our new vision to major stakeholders recently which was to shape a future where people, places, and time are powerfully connected through the world’s most captivating network of canals, caverns, and community.

"Our Connection through Place Capital Project focuses on the economic, environmental, health, heritage and, critically, community benefits that the reopening of Wren’s Nest would bring.

"It's still early days, but we're committed to creating this project with our community, allowing them to shape it from the start. The first stage is to form the community and project team, and we welcome support from Sonia to deliver this.

"We hope to share more details soon via our website www.dctt.org.uk.”

The project will bring new investment to the borough’s tourism and visitor economy, creating opportunities for education, skills, and community involvement while celebrating Dudley’s unique geological and industrial heritage.

Ms Kumar added: “This is exactly the kind of heritage-led renewal that puts Dudley back on the map — connecting our past to our future and strengthening pride in place. I look forward to working closely with the Trust, local partners and Government to see these plans move forward.”