Improvement works begin at Stevens Park

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05/01/21

Improvement works begin at Stevens Park

Works to restore and improve facilities at Stevens Park in Quarry Bank, Dudley, have now begun.

Speller Metcalfe has been awarded the project, which is being funded by through a £1.4 million National Heritage Lottery grant to Dudley Council who match funded the budget, extending it to a total £1.8 million.

Stevens Park already boasts extensive recreational facilities including an outdoor gym, football pitch, skate park, tennis courts, band stand and play area.

Following public consultation and input from the Friends of Stevens Park, building works will see Tintern House (formerly known as the White House) restored and extended to create a community café, new toilets and meeting rooms as part of the first phase of works.

The Council is working in partnership with the Emily Jordan Foundation, a charity working to support people with learning disabilities. The Foundation will operate from Tintern House and will be developing horticultural training opportunities and a bike recycling workshop, alongside other opportunities to support people with learning disabilities to move closer towards work.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm, said: “Dudley Council is committed to preserving and maintaining our parks and green spaces and this year has highlighted just how vital they are to our collective wellbeing.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Emily Jordan Foundation and The Friends of Stevens Park to make these fantastic improvements to the park. The new use of the former White House building will have huge benefits to people with learning disabilities.”

Further improvements will include new access to the Peace Gardens to enable wheelchair and pushchair users to enjoy the memorial setting, alongside additional footpaths and planting.

Chris Jordan, chair of the trustees of the Emily Jordan Foundation, said: “We are all looking forward to opening our service provision at Stevens Park, to offer people with Learning Disabilities in the local area different work-based projects, that support them to learn new skills, working to their own ability levels.

“Our aim is the same as within our Kidderminster Service, to support people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilled lives.”

Matthew Bailey, Small Works manager at Speller Metcalfe, said: “Speller Metcalfe is delighted to be working with Dudley Council to help them realise their ambition to create a more user-friendly, community space which local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

“As with all our projects, we are working to the highest health and safety standards to ensure public safety in line with both our own regulations and Government COVID-19 guidance.”

Future Council plans include the appointment of a Community Development Officer to deliver a range of activities and events both online and from the park to make the area more attractive and vibrant, with volunteering opportunities available from the New Year.

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