Contract for £5m Smethwick park renovation given green light
Council bosses have given the green light to plans for a £5.2 million renovation of a Smethwick park.
Sandwell Council officers have been told to draw up contracts for the ambitious plans to renovate West Smethwick Park.
The move gives the green light for a new two-storey pavilion which will house community activities ranging from dance, exercise, martial arts classes, community art and a contemporary new cafe.
Sandwell Council's cabinet authorised council officers to procure and issue contracts to deliver the project in two phases.
Last year, the authority appointed Sandwell Leisure Trust to run the new facility – which is expected to open to the public in 2021.
Councillor Bill Gavan, cabinet member for leisure, said: "The new pavilion at West Smethwick Park is going to be a fantastic asset for the local community.
“The project as a whole is going to transform the park and a big part of that will be the new pavilion and the superb leisure, community and heritage opportunities it’s going to bring.
“It will also be a stone’s throw from the new aquatics centre and another great thing for Smethwick to look forward to.
“I look forward to seeing the new pavilion open to the public and being enjoyed as a place for fun, fitness and families.”
At their meeting on Wednesday(20), the cabinet approved recommendations to allow council officers to award contracts, so building work can commence in July.
The renovation is being paid for with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £4.49 million as part of its nationwide 'Parks for People' initiative and an additional half a million pounds from the council.
The new pavilion will also be used by local schools, as well as arts and heritages groups, and there are plans to host mini sports festivals.
By George Makin, Local Democracy Reporter
