Historic Willenhall pub to get important restoration
A GRADE II listed pub in the Black Country is to be the focus of a major restoration project as part of a Walsall Council backed scheme.
The Bell Inn, Market Place, Willenhall, dates back to the 1600s and is one of the town’s most historic buildings. It is at the forefront of a series of projects being carried out as part of the Willenhall Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).
A consortium of Willenhall residents formed The Bell group and bought the pub at auction in 2010. The group recognised the historic value of the building to the town and wanted to halt its deterioration and bring it back into use for the community.
A £1m funding has been set aside for property owners or leaseholders of historic buildings within the conservation area. Money has been made available from the Heritage Lottery Fund and VIEW (Visionary Investment Enhancing Walsall).
Walsall Council has contributed a further £50,000 and is responsible for administering the THI.
The Bell Inn has been empty for several years which has affected the condition of the building. Work funded by the THI will focus on ensuring the building is structurally sound and water tight.
It will include roof and window repairs and replacement of the existing shopfront with a more traditional design based on evidence provided from historic photographs. The proposals have been drawn up by the Bell Group working alongside the council’s conservation team.
Cllr Adrian Andrew, portfolio holder for regeneration and transport in Walsall Council coalition, said: “Several buildings have already been repaired and restored as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative and their new refreshed appearance has really enhanced the look of the area.
“The look of a town centre does have a big impact on people’s perception of it. We want to spell out to people that Willenhall has a great range of thriving independent traders who are open for business.
“Our district centres are important to us and this is another example of our commitment to them.”
Rupy Pandaal, of The Bell group, said: “We have had some real challenges in bringing this all together and we are delighted that our efforts over the last three years are finally coming to fruition.
“The Bell Inn is an iconic landmark in Willenhall having immense historic significance for the town. This marks the first phase of the restoration plan which we envisage will also provide a valuable community facility once completed.”
Buildings which have already benefited from funding via the THI include Fibbersley Park, American Nails, The Sandwich Shop, Pizza Power, Alice’s Beauty Salon, all Stafford Street; Golden Girl and Blunts Shoes, both Market Place; JR Holyhead in Cross Street, RS News in Wolverhampton Street and 58 Wolverhampton Street.
