Sporting facilities at Birmingham parks set to be upgraded
Sporting facilities at two Birmingham parks are set to be upgraded after a “fantastic” scheme was given the green light.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) previously approved a grant allocation of nearly £200,000 for Birmingham City Council to be spent on two sites in Sparkhill Park and Small Heath Park.
The work at Sparkhill Park will see the installation of a new four-lane cricket practice facility, featuring ball stop nets and non-turf pitches within the park.
Small Heath Park will also see the existing multi-use games area refurbished with new fencing, refurbished rebound walls and decorative graphics to “revitalise” the hard-court area.
The council’s Trusts and Charities Committee met recently to approve the development of the two projects as well as the investment of grant funding.
A council report published prior to the meeting said: “The offer of grant funding will enhance the recreational value of the land held in Trust.
“Therefore the committee will realise a much welcomed community benefit through supporting this investment.”
It went on to say that the option to turn down the grant offer had been considered due to the risk of a shortfall in ‘revenue resources’ to maintain the new facility.
“However, the benefit to the community would not be realised if this option was followed.
“It has therefore been put forward that work will be undertaken to develop a plan for the facilities future management and maintenance, including a managed booking system to generate income.”
During the recent meeting, Councillor Adrian Delaney asked a council officer whether he was confident that enough income will be raised.
The officer said: "“We’ve got the support of the Warwickshire Foundation, they’ll be working with the local community and the schools to provide sessions for cricket practice.
“And they’ll be charges for those people using it.”
After taking into consideration factors such as ECB grant conditions for selected free access and management costs, the surplus income share coming back to the council is estimated to be around £6,000 per year.
Councillor Delaney said: “If we do cover the costs, that’s brilliant as it’s a fantastic scheme.”
Councillor Phil Davis, chair of the committee, said: “Obviously it’s early days, but clearly the £200,000 is very welcome.
“Hopefully your proposed model will work out.”
The report added a ‘sinking fund’ would be established to cover the costs of potential future repairs and replacement infrastructure.
The planning application for the new cricket facility also said Friends of Sparkhill Park “are very supportive of the proposal” and were consulted ahead of the proposals being lodged.
