A £500m regeneration project is set to change the face of the Birmingham Canal through Smethwick.

In a bid to replicate the success of Birmingham’s Brindleyplace development, planners at the North Smethwick Regeneration Partnership – working in conjunction with Sandwell Council – are looking for external investment to transform a currently run-down area.

The project would centre around the Smethwick’s historic Soho Foundry area and see the creation of a waterside neighbourhood containing industrial units, restaurants, bars, office and residential accommodation.

A series of consultation roadshows is currently taking place throughout the area.