Parks improvement projects are funded in a number of ways, one of which has been the governements Liveability fund.
Throughout the country, there were twenty seven pilot authorities in receipt of this money. Dudley Council has been one of these and was awarded £3.4 million over three years for its project called Improving Parks for People.
Dudleys Landscape Architects work with the growing network of Friends Groups to translate Wish Lists of park improvements into master plans. Consultation with local people has then taken place to seek views, ideas and support for the proposals, and identify priorities.
After consultation the detailed design follows, along with cost information and consultation with officers and external bodies. The project progresses to implementation via a contract with landscape contractors administered by the Landscape Architect. When completed, the new project is usually maintained by the councils Green Care team.
Below are some examples of recent parks improvement projects:
Priors Mill
At Priors Mill Community Garden in Upper Gornal new paths, seating, picnic tables and bins are being installed thanks to funding through the national Liveability grant scheme and contribution from Dudley North area committee.
Christ Church Park Lye
With funding from a number of sources including: Local centres capital funding, Section 106 funding, and the Countryside agency Christ Church lye has been redeveloped from a budget of around £52’000 by Dudley Councils Landscape Team.
Netherton Family Centre
The environment of Netherton Family Centre, situated within Netherton Park has recently been transformed following a landscape design project carried out by the council’s Landscape Architects.
