A park and women's centre in one of Birmingham's most deprived areas are in line for a £2.4 million revamp thanks to HS2.

Ward End Park in Washwood Heath sits next to a site earmarked to serve as a depot for the Government's high speed rail project.

HS2 's Environment and Landscape board has welcomed initial approaches for funding to spruce up the site.

The funding would help to improve services at the Dolphin Centre, which delivers vital women's services, improves access to education and offers volunteering and employment opportunities.

The centre, owned by Birmingham City Council and leased by the Norton Hall charity, is viewed as a valued resource in one of the city's most deprived wards.

The Dolphin Centre

More than 80 per cent of the population are from ethnic minority backgrounds and more than one third of people have no qualifications.

The project would see the building made more energy efficient, with more spaces for entrepreneurial women.

A council report stated the works would be the 'catalyst' to reconnecting the community with the park.

The park would see enhanced wildlife habitats, a re-profiling of the Wash Brook, woodland thinning, more than half a kilometre of new cycle path linking to the HS2 depot and outdoor gym equipment.

The council's cabinet approved funding applications worth £1.4m and £1m to be made to the European Structural and Investment Funds and HS2 Community and Environment Funds respectively.

Dawn breaks over Ward End House in Ward End Park

Cllr Sharon Thomson, homes and neighbourhoods chief, said: "The impact of HS2 on the Ward End community is significant. And where they are located at the moment, they are in a good position to put in for the funding and get that support.

"This will help meet some of the key priorities for the council in terms of the skills agenda, health and well-being, air quality.

"It is important to say the Dolphin Centre have done considerable work, particularly around learning in that area which is classed as having high levels of deprivation."