The bid to transform West Smethwick Park with a £5million restoration scheme has come a step closer. The council has confirmed a £550,000 contribution towards the makeover, which will see the park get a new community pavilion, events area and refurbished toilets - plus improvements to sports pitches and new gym equipment. The council’s cabinet approved the funding at a meeting last week.
The council has already scooped £337,350 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund to fund the research and planning of the park’s makeover. Officers are now working on the final business case – with a view to clinching the final £4.5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to fund the improvements. Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Steve Eling said: “We have now formally confirmed the council will put in just over half a million pounds towards this exciting plan for West Smethwick Park.
“This has been a real community effort, involving the Friends of West Smethwick Park and residents, to look at exactly what people want to see at the park. “Our plans will make major improvements to the lake, a new outdoor gym and improve the grass sports pitches as well as creating a fantastic new community pavilion building where there will be a community room, toilets and a café.
“The final business case is being prepared right now and we hope to hear back from the Heritage Lottery Fund in June next year to confirm we have qualified for the full funding.”
Plans for the park include a new two-storey pavilion on the site of the original toilets and a large community room with 180 degree views of the park.
Improvements are also planned for the entrance, plus a new events area, tree works and restoration of the paths and the drinking fountain.
The historic entrance gates and entrance railings will be replaced, a formal garden created where the park’s original lodge stood and the old toilets will be redesigned and repaired.
The James Chance Memorial and the memorial to two airmen whose plane crashed into the park in 1944 will also be restored.
The park perimeter will be improved to prevent illegal vehicle access. A new area with gym equipment will be constructed and electric and water points will be put in to enable the park to host outdoor events. The main pathways will have lighting and CCTV cameras will be installed at the entrances to improve security.
It is also hoped the old changing rooms will be replaced through Sport England as a separate project to the Heritage Lottery restoration
If the bid for HLF and Big Lottery cash is successful, work is expected to start in August next year.
