An historical building is set to be transformed under Ealing Council’s Dine in Southall project, after a timetable of improvement plans was agreed by councillors.

Southall Manor House, the 16th Century Elizabethan building set in grounds close to the area's lively town centre, is to be extended to provide a training and enterprise hub.

The investment aims to improve and utilise a council-owned asset in a way that will also generate income to sustain the future upkeep of the building.

The project will see the timber-framed manor house undergo a thorough restoration, with a new purpose-built kitchen wing and a space added for community events. The new hub will provide placements offering training, education and job opportunities when it opens in April 2016.

The aim is to establish a thriving venue in the borough that builds on the site’s historic background while creating a wide range of jobs, apprenticeships and support for local businesses. A training restaurant will also provide a chance for people to learn hospitality skills and train for employment.

The project is led by Ealing Council in partnership with the Greater London Authority, West London College and the University of West London.

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: "Dine in Southall is an innovative project that will secure a better future for the area. It will bring an historical gem back to life while providing local people the chance to train, learn new skills and find employment."

A formal application for planning permission will be submitted later this year with the overall completion of the plan scheduled for April 2016. The council has so far secured £1.07 million towards the £1.25 million costs, with the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund (Greater London Authority) supplying £770,000.