Council steps in to save Smethwick park project
The redevelopment of West Smethwick Park is to be scaled back after a major contractor went bust leaving work unfinished and pushing up costs.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet is being asked to bridge the financial gap to ensure the £5.2 million lottery funded refurbishment of the historic parkland will still go ahead.
Councillors are recommended to provide an extra £673,777 and scale back on improvements to help keep the project on budget.
In a report to the cabinet, local authority bosses warned: “The council could alternatively take no action and lose £4.5m of lottery funding towards the re-development of West Smethwick Park.”
The cash crisis is a result of the specialist contractor Stone Edge going into administration in January.
New tenders to complete the work plus additional costs mean the project now faces a £1,122,192 shortfall.
The original plans included restoring a Grade II-listed building, refurbishing walls, piers and a drinking fountain.
In addition, a new pavilion is to be built along with an events area and boathouse feature.
Other improvements include nature conservation work on woods, grass and wetlands across the 50 acre site.
Council officers are recommending savings of £438,415 and use of £200,000 of contingency funds to bring the project in on budget.
In their report, they say: “To access the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Parks for People’ grant of £4.5 million toward the £5.2 million re-development of West Smethwick Park, the council will be required to financially support the scheme by an additional £673,777. “
The redevelopment is now set to be completed by 2022 to coincide with the Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham.
The cabinet will discuss the proposal at their meeting on November 18.
