By Local Democracy Reporter
Four parks in a Birmingham ward could soon be upgraded amid concerns over “unequal access to green space” in the city.
Birmingham City Council is proposing to carry out improvement work at four parks and green spaces across the Castle Vale area.
In a major plan published three years ago, the local authority said it wants Birmingham to change the way it treats its natural environment and become a “city of 1,000 green spaces”.
As part of this, the 25-year City of Nature plan looked at how other cities around the world have responded to the challenge of unequal access to green space – and where in Birmingham such issues are being felt the most.
Against this backdrop, the council said efforts would be focused on six wards between 2022 and 2027 – Balsall Heath West, Bordesley and Highgate, Nechells, Gravelly Hill, Pype Hayes and Castle Vale.
The council has now proposed improvements at the following Castle Vale spaces:
Hawker Drive Play AreaBlenheim Way Play AreaSpitfire Way Play AreaCentre Park Play Area
“Each of the spaces have a range of existing play equipment,” the council said.
“We are proposing a number of improvements to these spaces that will […] enhance their use for local residents.”
Dedicated funding has been set aside for the improvement of a number of parks and green spaces in the Castle Vale ward.
This is a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, City of Nature funding and grants secured by local community groups, according to the council.
A public consultation on the proposals can be found on the Birmingham Be Heard website here – residents have until July 11 to contribute.