A run-down former tram depot built a century ago could be reborn as a restaurant and banqueting hall creating 50 new jobs in one of Birmingham's most diverse wards.

New plans have been lodged to renovate the old depot and build a three-storey car park in Highgate Road, Sparkbrook, and inject life into the derelict building which has been vacant for several years and fallen into a state of disrepair.

The restaurant would be housed on the ground floor and conference and banqueting on the first floor of the building which was once the home Euro Packaging, now based in Yardley.

Solihull-based architecture firm Made has designed the scheme and submitted the plans on behalf of an unnamed private client.

Writing in a design statement, Made said: "The development would form the crucial link between Ladypool Road and Stoney Lane and further to Stratford Road.

"The three main retail centres lack unity and connection, separated by a group of derelict buildings, some vacant and others falling into disrepair.

"The tram depot, along with the existing development taking place, aims to provide legibility and an integrated accessibility that encourages movement between the centres."

The former depot, which opened in 1913, is now partially roofed and, while not listed, Made said it felt the building possessed "inherent architectural qualities" which would be a great loss should it be allowed to fall into further disrepair.

It said the aim of the development was to use as much of the existing building as possible and restore and celebrate its qualities however a new roof with lights would be installed.

"As such, the aspiration of this project remains to deliver a unified scheme that will boast the highest standards in architecture, design and sustainability," the statement added.

Two previous developments have been approved for the site.

In 2007, a project was granted permission to create a mixed-use development comprising a banqueting hall, restaurant, food court, retails units and chef training school.

And in 2012, another scheme designed by Made was bought forward to build 17 retail units, 28 market stalls, a health and beauty salon and five food outlets.

Made concluded: "The balanced mix of uses will serve the development and the neighbouring community with much-needed employment with services and entertainment. It would further attract more and niche businesses to the area.

"This would result in the increased number of visitors, a number that has been diminishing of late (and) encourage more trade and introduce more wealth into the area and help the community to find their own way out of deprivation.

"Once there are increasing numbers of visitors from across the city and the country, there will be an opportunity to truly promote the area to even the international market.

"Adding to the new vision of Birmingham and what the city has to offer - a celebration of its wards and people and not just the city centre."