Residents are being invited to view the plans and designs for the iconic Smethwick site at a public meeting, ahead of work starting at the end of January.

The Grade II-listed Lightwoods House, which dates from 1791, will be brought back into public use for community meetings, training and functions.

The ground floor will provide public toilets, a tea room and exhibition space.

The upper floors will have rooms for the community, conferencing, weddings and commercial office space.

Work in the park will include restoring the drinking fountains, 19th century bandstand, Shakespeare Garden, walls and railings and a pond.

Chairman of the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House, Councillor Richard Marshall, said: “It’s great that we have got to the stage where instead of just talking about it, we are actually going to see the work start.

“The first thing to be completed will be the children’s play area. The area has suffered from a lack of facilities for children, so it will be great when that is finished.

“Work is also going to start straight away on the house and the bandstand.

“This will last for the duration of the work.

“It’s very exciting that we have got to this stage and I can’t wait for it to start.”

The public meeting will take place at Bearwood Baptist Church Hall in Rawlings Road from 7pm on January 15.

Residents will be able to find out more about the project and the construction timescales.

Details about volunteer and training opportunities will also be announced at the meeting.

As part of the plans, the plant nursery will be converted into a horticultural training centre.

Educational and events programmes are also planned for the park and house, which will include discovering and learning about the park’s heritage and wildlife, developing an educational pack for school groups and providing opportunities for volunteering and training.

Project officer Cherie O’Sullivan said: “Everyone is anxious to see the work get under way as soon as possible, and we appreciate people keep hearing us talk about it. We expect to be on target for the grand opening in August 2016. At a point in time, nearing completion of the project, we will also be recruiting a Lightwoods House and Park manager who will be responsible for ensuring the building is functional and self-financing.

“It is imperative we develop the house for a variety of uses and ensure we get the balance of community and commercial right.”

Sandwell Council deputy leader, Councillor Steve Eling, said: “The aim is to restore the historical elements of Lightwoods Park and refurbish the Grade II Lightwoods House so more people can enjoy, learn about and become involved in the park and house. This is the culmination of a major piece of work to restore the park and house to their former glory that has been worked up since Sandwell Council took over the park in November 2010.”

“Local residents and members of the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House have been involved in working out the priorities for what will be included in the restoration and the future uses for the house.

“I can’t wait for the work to be finished.”

Work had been due to start in October last year, but it was delayed due to the complexity of the tendering process and will start after discussions between the Heritage Lottery Fund and contractors. Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) are funding £3.6 million towards the project under the Parks for People Programme, with Sandwell Council funding £1.6 million.

An appeal has been made for anyone with ideas on how the house can be used or the types of events it could host to get in touch.

Bosses are also keen to hear from any businesses interested in having an office in Lightwoods House or anyone wishing to volunteer.

Anyone – individuals or businesses – interested in getting involved is asked to contact Cherie O’Sullivan by email at che rie_osullivan@sandwell.gov.uk or by calling 0121 569 4740.