Manor House in hunt for £2m lottery funds

Bosses at West Bromwich's 13th century Manor House will meet lottery chiefs to discuss a bid of up to £2million funding.

Sandwell Council wants to breathe new life into the historic Grade I listed building.

It will bid for lottery cash to bankroll the project, which would involve the demolition of modern annexes to the building followed by its renovation. Frank Caldwell, principal officer for arts, museums and tourism for Sandwell Council, is to meet Heritage Lottery representatives.

He said the council expected to submit a bid within the next four to six months.

"There is a 1960s kitchen and cold rooms that we want to get rid of and some really tacky porches over the historic entrances.

"We will be looking for between £1.3 million and £2 million for the demolition and renovation.

"Ideally we would like to know whether we will be getting any money within the next 18 months."

The building, in Hall Green Road, has been described as one of the borough's most important heritage sites. However it has fallen into disrepair since being converted into a pub, which closed down in 2008.

Ambitious plans to bring it back to life as a heritage centre, museum and wedding venue are already on the table and it is hoped Heritage Lottery will help pay for the major renovation project.

The authority has saved £300,000 to put together a bid and to cover "match funding" required by the lottery. Preparing the bid is expected to cost £30,000.

Cash has already been spent on improving lighting and security, with a contract for further alarm systems and electrical works currently out to tender.

The Manor House will reopen after the winter months on April 25, when it will hold a St George's Day event celebrating all things English.