Royal Brierley Crystal has unveiled plans for a new £5.5m glass heritage and visitor centre in Dudley, which will include the company's new headquarters and its glass making factory. The plans also include a new site for the Dudley College of Technology's International Glass Centre, where students will work alongside Royal Brierley's designers and craftsmen. Work on the phased project started at Easter on a derelict 4.5 acre former tanner site and is expected to be completed by the end of 2001. The project has additional backing of £350,000 from the European Regional Development Fund and will be jointly managed by Royal Brierley and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. It is expected to secure 200 jobs while creating another 25 and to boost local tourism.
