Mansion of one of Birmingham's most famous residents could become 'international attraction' Birmingham's Highbury Hall was once the home of Joseph Chamberlain, a hugely influential figure in the city's history Former Birmingham mayor Joseph Chamberlain/Highbury Hall in Moseley (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live ) There has been renewed hope that a majestic Birmingham mansion that symbolises an iconic political dynasty could become an “international” attraction in the future. The grand Highbury Hall in Moseley was once the home of Joseph Chamberlain, who was elected Mayor of Birmingham around 150 years ago. ‌ He oversaw huge changes during his time as mayor; built amenities such as swimming pools and libraries; and was credited with making Birmingham ‘the best governed city in the world’. Article continues below READ MORE: Major Birmingham Council road scheme 'could be £7.5m over original budget’ The reforming leader was also the father of former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Austen Chamberlain, who became chancellor of the exchequer. Last year, dozens of Joseph Chamberlain’s descendants and family members met for a historical gathering amid hopes to transform his former mansion into a multi-purpose visitor attraction. ‌ But there was disheartening news just months later when the Chamberlain Highbury Trust (CHT) announced it would have to put its larger-scale plans for the mansion and grounds “on pause”. It said this was because Birmingham City Council was unable to match fund Highbury’s “much-needed” restoration due to financial restrictions. However, earlier this year there was a more positive development in the story of Highbury Hall when the trust said it was awarded a grant by The National Heritage Lottery Fund to restore its Victorian gardens. ‌ Inside Highbury Hall in 2018 (Image: Iain Findlay/Birmingham Mail ) The trust stated the £2 million grant would “save the grounds of Highbury Hall and restore them to their original splendour”. “The grounds of Highbury Hall represent one of the best examples of 19th century landscaped gardens in the West Midlands,” it continued. “This vital funding will allow the trust to secure the future of this tranquil urban oasis.” ‌ Speaking at a Trusts and Charities Committee this month, David Kidney, chair of the trustees at CHT, was optimistic about the future of the historic Birmingham venue. “If the restoration, as we plan it, goes ahead, I think what we’ll have on our hands as a city is a hugely significant hub for community activities in its immediate area,” he said. “That’s covering the wards of Kings Heath, Moseley and Stirchley. But also something of value to the whole of the city.” ‌ READ MORE: HS2 ‘reset’ explained - impact on Birmingham, potential delays and ‘serious challenges' Mr Kidney went on to say that developing it as a visitor attraction could attract interest from across the region and beyond. “Given Joseph Chamberlain’s links with national and international politics, I do believe there will be international interest,” he said. “So we do have an asset that’s potentially hugely significant and valuable.” ‌ “There’s good cause for hope for the future of Highbury,” he added. He also said that the three years of works in the gardens will restore some of their historic features and continue their determination to make them accessible to “all members of the community across Birmingham”. “While we’re doing that, we’re going to look again at how we get the mansion restored,” Mr Kidney said. ‌ General views of Highbury Hall in Moseley. (Image: Iain Findlay/Birmingham Mail ) “We propose while we’re doing the works in the garden, to start again on an application to the [The National Heritage Lottery Fund] for a significant grant from them towards the cost of restoring the mansion next. “So that will mean a new application and more fundraising from us.” ‌ The committee agreed for its chair to conclude and sign agreements for the lottery grant for the Highbury Gardens Project and approval for just over £56,000 to be allocated to the Chamberlain Highbury Trust. Providing insight on the city council’s financial position, external auditors recently highlighted several issues including the equal pay debacle, inadequate budget setting, poor service management, demand led pressures and the disastrous implementation of a new IT system. Labour politicians have also pointed to the impact of funding cuts over the past decade or so. Article continues below On being unable to match-fund restoration plans last year, a council spokesperson said at the time: "Birmingham City Council is currently not in a position to provide the match funding sought to secure the wider funding package and deliver the scheme of works as originally proposed."