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Main site of case study Birmingham

Newhall Valley Country Park

This site has remained an inner city site since its inception as a charitable donated park and playground in, 1877; in the 1970's Newtown was redeveloped for public housing, which from a design point of view did not fully recognise the value of the park, it is literally at the rear of hundreds of properties.

Former use and milestones of development

This public park was gifted to BCC in 1877, by William Middlemore as a charitable gift, it contained the first childrens' playgound; it was refurbished with the housing development in the mid-late 1970's, including a community centre within the park; the City Challenge money was made available in 1996, re-opened March 1998.

Main aspects of the planning concept / design

Planning concept was to address social concerns, very high crime rates, unsafe spaces, high unemployment and failing schools, all led to City Challenge funds in '96; refurbished £610,00 (100,00 €). An additional Planning Agreement (Section 106) from a new adjacent housing was designed to overlook the park, following the demolition and development of an adjacent factory site, & a new Healthy Living Centre.

Main ecological and social goals

Socially - full community consultation & involvement, new play areas, sports provision & community arts projects, plus additional funds for community centre, which was match funded, of £120,000, especially for childcare centre, very high number of single parents, = big social need. Ecologically = Wildlife Action Area, formal space, community opposition to under-storey or ground cover, even long grass!!

Short description of the current situation

State of realisation

• Reforbishment completed and opened 1998

Main uses / facilities

• Refurbished Community Centre & Lodge, Multi-sports games area, new Play Areas for toddlers and juniors, Community Arts projects, improved access and car parks.

Specific characteristics (positive and negative ones)

• Positives: the use of the park has increased substantially since the refurbishments, crime rates and vandalism have dropped - the wholedistrict has seen big investment with the Challenge Fond, for employment, housing, shopping, transport, etc.
• Negatives: wildlife / ecological interest is at a minimum due to the social dynamics and continued fear for crime

Reason for selection as example in the URGE-Project

URGE - a good example of a refurbishment scheme funded , for the inner-city, it delivered the social needs, but creates this dilemma/ tension over wildlife and ecology; economically of interest due to house values near the park, and all the environmental enhancements contributed positively to the re-building this district that had a very poor national rating/ reputation.

Nick Grayson - 0121- 464-1045