PLANS for an £3.5m innovative learning and access hub at Dudley Canal Trust are set to steam ahead following lottery cash.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded the Trust £118,000 allowing bosses to progress with the second stage of the lottery fund process and make plans a reality.

Following the first round approval, on-site investigations are set to continue for up to 18 months followed by public consultations, before managers can submit the second-round application for a further grant from HLF.

The Hub, will replace the existing log cabin at the Trust's canal side Birmingham New Road base, and is set to provide improved facilities to showcase the canal tunnels and limestone mines to its 80,000 visitors a year.

Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer initial support to the Dudley Canal Trust for this exciting project which aims to greatly improve the experience people will have when visiting the tunnel and mines. Whilst this is just the beginning of the journey, the award of this development money will enable the applicant to work up their plans for a full grant in the future."

Mike Duley, Chairman of the Project Steering Group, said: “Dudley Canal Trust has a long-term mission to protect the heritage treasure that lies largely hidden from view beneath Castle Hill and to increase public access and awareness of its international significance.

"It’s fantastic news to have the funding we need to develop plans for this scheme, great to have an endorsement of this concept from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a credit to all who have helped us to pursue this idea over recent years.”