In a previous blog post it was announced that improvements to the childrens’ play areas at Church Hill Road and Carlyle Road would start on Monday 11th April, however, there is now a one week delay due to a hold – up with the play manufacturers so the contractor will now be starting on Wednesday 18th April.
The proposed improvements scheme led by the Landscape Practice Group, Birmingham City Council on the Church Hill Road site will include the installation of additional play equipment, safety surfacing and replacement of the front wall with attractive railings. The new equipment will include a big rope climber ‘space ball’, a multi unit and a basket swing. The improvment project aims to make the existing play area more fun and attractive environment for both children and parents to relax and enjoy fresh air and play!
Another smaller improvment project will also be carried out at Carlyle Road play area. These improvements will include additional equipment of a multi unit and spinner.
The funds to allow the Council to carry out these improvements is associated with the housing developmement on Westminster Crescent. Given that new housing developments bring new residents into an area Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act require the developer to pay a sum to support community infrastructure as directed by the Council’s Planning Committee. It was determined that the Section 106 fund of around £100,000 should be spent on improved childrens play within the Ward of Lozells & East Handsworth and these two locations were subsequently identified as areas that could benefit from improvements.
The improvement schemes were discussed and agreed at the Lozells & East Handsworth Ward Committee and with local residents at a number of forums. Local children from Mayfield School, Westminster Primary School and Holte Secondary School were also consulted on the choice of new play equipment in July 2010. Consultation results were used to produce the proposed improvement schemes.
For further information about this scheme please contact Amy Middlemist, Senior Landscape Architect on (0121) 303 9774 or email: amy.middlemist@birmingham.gov.uk