HRH The Duke of Gloucester formally opened the Thomas Robinson Building in Lye this afternoon (Tuesday, March 28).

The Duke unveiled a plaque on the Grade II-listed former Lye and Wollescote Chapel in Cemetery Road, which was reopened in 2015 following a 13-year £1.2m restoration project.

The refurbishment was carried out by the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, which owns the buildings and which secured money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with support from Dudley Council.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said: “It’s a real honour for me as mayor and also as a Lye councillor to welcome a member of the royal family to my patch.

“It’s just great to see someone of such importance formally open this wonderful building that will bring so much joy to the people of the borough.”

The chapel was renamed the Thomas Robinson Building after the original architect and is now home to the council’s registration office for civil ceremonies.

Built in 1879, the building is made up of two Victorian Gothic-style chapels, one now houses the registration office and in the other is a stylish new wedding suite.

Dudley Council will also use the building for citizenship ceremonies, naming ceremonies, civil partnership ceremonies and wedding vow renewals.

Superintendent registrar Penny Fulford, who unveiled the plaque alongside his royal highness, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome the Duke here to witness the work which has gone into making this such a great venue.

“I am delighted that alongside Priory Hall we finally have two beautiful venues for our registration offices.”