Old school building gets new lease of life
AN historic Willenhall landmark featuring an iconic clock tower has been given a new lease of life after years standing empty.
The former Little London School has been transformed into the new headquarters of a business that has been based in the town for nearly 150 years.
Since closing more than a decade ago the building has undergone a complete refurbishment and will be formally reopened later this month as part of a multi-million pound development project by Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd., who have their roots in Willenhall.
Records show that John Wedge was running a galvanizing business in the town as early as 1869.
The company has been based at its current site, in Stafford Street, since 1876, but is now relocating to the nearby site of the former school.
The iconic clock tower has been refurbished and protected as part of the redevelopment, which will house offices and facilities for around twenty staff.
The work has been carried out under the ‘Considerate Contractors’ scheme, with contractors minimising disturbance on the local community.
Chris Woolridge, managing director of Wedge Group, said: “We’re very much looking forward to opening our new headquarters on the very street where the foundations of our business began.
“We’re also 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.”
Wolverhampton architects Tweedale are behind the design.