Bearwood's Lightwoods House restored in £5m project

Image copyright Sandwell Council

Image caption Lightwoods House will host weddings, events and community groups following the restoration

A historic Grade ll listed building which has lain derelict for decades has been restored under a £5.2m project.

Lightwoods House in the West Midlands was completed as a family home in 1791 and later used as a library, refreshment rooms and offices.

The building, in Lightwoods Park, Bearwood, was officially opened on Wednesday.

Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said the revamp has made the park "a jewel in Bearwood's crown".

Image copyright Sandwell Council

Image caption The house and park was maintained by Birmingham City Council from 1902 until Sandwell Council took over in 2010

The three-year project to restore the 18th century building has been funded by Sandwell Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery.

'Worked tirelessly'

It will see a new play area, sports courts, water fountains and pathways and the site will now be able to host weddings, events and community groups.

Image caption The site has a new play area, sports courts, water fountains and pathways

The house was built by Jonathan Grundy and later leased to George Caleb Adkins, a local soap manufacturer, in 1858.

Birmingham City Council maintained the site from 1902 despite it being within the Sandwell local authority boundary. Sandwell Council took control eight years ago.

Councillor Eling added: "Since Sandwell Council took over the park in 2010 we have worked tirelessly to improve both the house and the park itself.

"The restoration of the house has really made Lightwoods Park a jewel in Bearwood's crown."