The great granddaughter of Birmingham’s most innovative political leader Joseph Chamberlain has called on the city council to honour his legacy by using his historic family home to promote social enterprise, education and the arts.

Mary De Vere Taylor, as representative of the Chamberlain family, told the city’s trust and charities committee that she welcomed renewed cooperation over the future of Highbury Hall and estate in Moseley.

Her intervention came as it emerged that the hall could find a new role as a residential college facility, as well as continue as a conference and wedding venue according to an options appraisal by the Birmingham Conservation Trust, due to be released next month.

The Conservation Trust has been charged with finding a workable plan for the hall which ensures it is well maintained and used in line with the Chamberlain family’s wishes.

Between its construction in 1878 and the handover to the city council in 1932 the hall was home to Joseph, social reformer, founder of modern local government and Mayor of Birmingham and his sons, Nobel Peace Prize winner Austin and former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.

Ms de Vere Taylor said: “When the Chamberlains bequeathed Highbury to the council it was specifically intended for the benefit of the citizens of Birmingham.

“As a Chamberlain my personal vision for Highbury encompasses the priorities that were so close to Joe’s heart. These include promoting education through school visits and a Chamberlain museum, charitable activities to support those in need, extensive community involvement, environmental protection and promoting the arts, culture and heritage. Highbury Hall could easily be transformed into a much-needed social enterprise to empower, educate and employ or train people. There has never been a more important time for innovative, well managed social enterprise organisations.”