A listed former stables in Birmingham which was placed on English Heritage's 'at risk' register less than two years ago looks set for a new future as a focal point for enterprise and recreation.
The Roundhouse, in Sheepcote Street, was designed by local architect WH Ward and built in 1873 by the Birmingham Corporation when it was originally used as stables and stores.
But it has lain mostly vacant for the past decade and has fallen into a state of disrepair.
Now, the Canal & River Trust, which has owned the building since 2001, is working with the National Trust to restore the horseshoe-shaped complex to create a new hub for leisure and enterprise.
The project was boosted last autumn by an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the project, just a year after it was placed on the register of at risk buildings.
New plans have been lodged with Birmingham City Council to transform the Grade II*-listed building into a base from which to explore the canal network including a cycle hire and repair workshop.
There will also be a café, kiosk to buy tickets for boat tours, volunteering opportunities and a shared working space for conservation organisations.
The new-look Roundhouse will also house an enterprise hub containing a flexible series of offices spaces aimed at start-ups and small companies.
Stuart Mills, from the Canal & River Trust, said: "The Roundhouse is a fantastic building right in the heart of Birmingham and we are really pleased to have this opportunity to bring it back to life.
"Our proposals show how the building could become an important part of the regeneration of Birmingham's waterside while also maintaining the building's character and historic value."
