CULTURE Minister Ed Vaizey discovered the magic of four modernist structures that have been restored to their 1930s glory at Dudley Zoo.

The minister took the Tecton tour on Thursday, joined by the zoo's CEO Peter Suddock and Reyhan King, head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) West Midlands, who supported the £1.15million project to restore the concrete buildings.

Mr Vaizey said: "They are simply wonderful structures, I love them. When you consider that Dudley Zoo's Tectons were constructed in the 1930s they are so imaginative, with their deep curves and sweeping shapes, they are beautiful, and what an incredible project to restore them to their original state."

The zoo has the world's largest single collection of Tectons – a total of 12 – designed by Russian-born Berthold Lubetkin.

Mr Suddock said: “The tour was very successful, the minister showed much interest in the project and said it was the finest example of modernist restoration that he had seen.

"The programme was made possible by HLF – we are immensely grateful that we have been given such an opportunity to work on this incredible collection that is recognised across the globe.

“They have been restored using original techniques and materials; this is the first time this has been done worldwide so it truly is a unique programme.”

The 36-month project also included the refurbishment of the site’s vintage chairlift and the launch of a pioneering apprenticeship scheme in concrete repair and conservation.