A MUCH-LOVED park in Kidderminster is set to have its £3million improvement project progressed, with £2.4million funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Although the project for Brinton Park has faced a series of unforeseen delays – including the several badgers’ sets being discovered – work to enhance facilities, protect local wildlife and celebrate the park’s rich heritage is now scheduled to begin this summer.
A key part of the improvements includes replacing the aging Sons of Rest Pavilion, which has sadly been found to be in much worse condition than first expected. An independent inspection by contractors confirmed serious structural problems and, for safety reasons, the council has been advised by structural engineers the building will need to be demolished and rebuilt. The proposal will be discussed at a forthcoming planning application.
The plans for the new building will reflect the historic character of the original pavilion while offering improved community facilities including a new cafe space, terrace, ornamental pond and landscaping.
‘Welcome news’
Councillor Tracey Onslow Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety, said: “It’s great that we will see work starting on site within a few weeks.
“We recognise Brinton Park is one of our district’s most popular green spaces and local people are looking forward to enjoying the upcoming improvements.
“Thanks to the NLHF, this exciting project will not only protect and improve the park’s natural beauty and heritage, it will also create welcoming new spaces for everyone to enjoy for generations to come, including the much sought after cafe.”
The council will be contacting local groups directly but anyone wanting further information on the plans or proposed works to the Sons of Rest building can email the council at: [email protected] or contact Coun Onslow directly.
Request for more funds
The council’s cabinet is being asked at its meeting on June 10 to release £460,000 extra funding from its Evergreen Fund to ensure the project remains on track.
Work in the park will start with the construction of a new artificial badger sett to protect local wildlife.
Demolition of the current pavilion will follow shortly afterwards.
Plans for the new pavilion are scheduled to be considered at the next available planning committee meeting.
There will be a new cafe within the pavilion, looking out onto a new terrace which, in turn, overlooks a new ornamental pond.
Other improvements for attracting more wildlife include management of the woodland, installing bat boxes and landscaping with new flower beds and shrub planting.
Visit the Wyre Forest District Council social media pages and: brintonpark.com for updates on Brinton Park.
