Earlier this year Groundwork was successful in gaining funding to deliver a project within Handsworth that aims to empower local residents to improve their local area. The focus has been on four key areas;
- Oaklands Youth Centre – outdoor space
- New Inns – communal garden area
- Centenary Drive
- Albert Rd to Herbert Rd Alleyways
Over the last few months Stephen Cook from Groundwork has enaged with local residents to work up some intial designs for improvements at these sites. I am attaching the designs below which are just a first attempt and will develop following more conversations with residents.
It is wonderful to start seeing these designs and that residents are shaping the projects. It would be great to see some of the projects now taken forward to actual improvements on the ground. A big thank you to all have been involved so far particulary Midland Heart, Groundwork, Wilkes Green Resident Association, Beverlie Weston, Lincoln Moses and Oaklands Youth Centre.
Centenary Drive – Initial Design
If you would like to comment on these designs or get involved contact Stephen Cook from Groundwork on 0121 430 5500 or my self on 0121 303 3401.
Brilliant idea/plans but it would be goog to hear what plans the local residents have for sustaining/maintaining these projects as this to me is just as important as the plans if the projects are to succeed. Will they be ‘closed’ similar to the Richmond Community Garden on Soho Hill coming up from Hockley flyover into Handsworth with involvement from schools? I would love to for people to use this blog to discuss such things.
Hi Andy, thanks for the comments I understand what your’e saying about sustainability which is a difficult issue. I guess people would really like to see some of the local green spaced improved and I agree schools could well be in a good position to get involved. We have one school already interested in the Centenary Gardens. Other services wokring in the area are also interested in supporting. All of these projects are plans or suggestions at least to maintain the sites happy to tak thorugh with you if your interested to know more. I would welcome lots of debate on here! thanks for posting a comment.