Birmingham park plans set for green light
by Pete Hayman | 29 Oct 2009
Plans for the creation of a new £13m urban park in the heart of Birmingham are set to receive the go ahead when Birmingham City Council's (BCC) cabinet meets on 2 November.
Councillors will be asked to approve the final cost and the appointment of a contractor to lead the Eastside City Park scheme, which will be the first urban park developed in the city for more than 125 years. The 3.2-hectare (7.9-acre) park will form a key part of Birmingham's Big City Plan, which aims to revitalise the city centre over the next two decades through a series of regeneration projects.
Designs for the Eastside City Park have been drawn up by architects Patel Taylor, with Surrey-based Wates Construction expected to be appointed as contractor for the scheme, subject to the approval of BCC's cabinet. Recreational space, formal gardens and water features are included in the plans for the park, as well as areas for special events, and it is also hoped that the development will lead to further private sector investment in the Eastside area
Neville Summerfield, BCC cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Eastside City Park will support our standing as a global city, providing a space for local people and visitors around which high quality developments are already taking shape. "The park will also act as a focus for the world-class attractions that are being developed within Eastside, and will connect the city centre with neighbouring communities."
In 2007, the council was unsuccessful in its attempts to secure £25m for the City Park project from the National Lottery's Living Landmarks' fund. Funded by BCC, it is now anticipated that the new park could be completed by the end of 2011.
Plans for the creation of a new £13m urban park in the heart of Birmingham are set to receive the go ahead when Birmingham City Council's (BCC) cabinet meets on 2 November. Councillors will be asked to approve the final cost and the appointment of a contractor to lead the Eastside City Park scheme, which will be the first urban park developed in the city for more than 125 years.
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