Proposals to redevelop the historic Soho Foundry in Smethwick are set to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

If the HLF bid were successful, the first phase of the restoration project would develop indoor sporting facilities, including multi-sport pitches. Phase two would create cafés, bars and restaurants as well as office units to form a mixed-use development.

A heritage interpretation area would also be added.

Cllr Bob Badham, cabinet member for regeneration & transport at Sandwick Council, said: “Subject to securing the appropriate funding from HLF, this promises to give a massive regeneration boost to the Soho Foundry area.”

Avery Weigh Tronix owns the buildings but the remainder of the site is unaffected by the proposals.

The site will be managed by a Partnership Board – comprising representatives from the council, English Heritage, Regenco, Advantage West Midlands and British Waterways – which is overseeing the project.

The foundry – owned by Matthew Boulton and James Watt – was the earliest factory in the world to have carried out the manufacture, assembly and commission of steam engines, including the steam engines built for Brunel’s steamship, The Great Eastern.