The plans to build a new by-pass around Cradley Heath put the Workers' Institute in danger of demolition. Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council carried out an historic building impact assessment in order to inform any decisions it might make about the building's future. The assessment found that the Worker's Institute was worthy of listing, and recommended that it be put forward to the Culture Secretary for approval.
The assessment report recognised the significance of the Institute building as a very complete example of a scarce building type, and as a rare survival of a building with strong associations with the re-emergence of the Socialist Movement between 1890 and 1914. It went on to say;
“The Workers’ Institute Building, Lower High Street, Cradley Heath, is a building of immense importance both locally and nationally. It has associations with a major figure in social reform from the early part of the 20th century, someone who brought about major improvements in living and working conditions, from which we all continue to benefit today. The building itself has a strong association with its site. It is the work of an important local Architect who has many other notable local buildings to his credit. Of equal importance is the fact that it is held in high regard by local people, who are aware of its significance and the events with which it is associated, and for which it in many respects has come to symbolise.”
A local building conservation group had been lobbying for the preservation of the Institute by listing as an historically important building with English Heritage. Sandwell M.B.C., whilst aware of the significance of the building, was committed to building the by-pass for Cradley Heath. To have a major project held up by a building which, despite its importance, was not being used by the local community and for which no new usage was envisaged, placed the authority in a difficult situation. The listing process could delay the project by two or more years and greatly increase the costs. At this time the Black Country Living Museum had not expressed an interest in the building. The dilemma was only resolved when the Museum secured sufficient funds to dismantle the Institute, brick by brick, and reconstruct it on the Museum's site.
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| Reference: | 732 |
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| Updated: | Wed 4 Jul 2007 - 15 |
| Interpretation written by | Louis Howe |
| Author's organisation | Curatorial |
| Organisation's website | |
| Contributor | Map from Ordnance Survey - Crown Copyright. |