A £100m scheme to develop world-class visitor attractions within the Castle Hill site at Dudley in the West Midlands has been unveiled by developers, St Modwen.

The plans encompass Dudley Zoological Gardens and the 11th century Dudley Castle, covering an area of just under 66-hectares.

A planning application is currently under consideration and it is hoped that a start on the development will be made early next year.

Included in the plans are Siege Craft, an attraction that will provide an insight into the attack and defence of a castle - with the aid of audio-visual techniques, visitors will be able to take part in a siege - and Origins, which will showcase the geological heritage of Dudley.

The Zoological Gardens will double the size of its current animal accommodation.

The scheme will also include themed merchandise outlets, a garden centre, a 72-room hotel and 3,700sq m of restaurants. A development of new homes will be constructed behind the adjoining Black Country Living Museum.

John Edwards, chief executive of Advantage West Midlands, said: 'If these proposals get planning permission they will utilise an exceptional strategic site which will have a massive impact on economic growth in the region and significantly boost tourism.'

The project will be funded by St Modwen, a government grant and the sale of residential land.