Local projects to benefit from high speed rail millions
APARK and women’s centre in one of Birmingham’s most deprived areas are in line for a £2.4 million revamp because of the proposed high speed rail line (HS2).
Ward End Park, in Washwood Heath, sits next to the site earmarked as a rail depot for the Government’s HS2 project.
HS2’s environment and landscape board has welcomed initial approaches for funding to improve the site.
The funding will also bolster services at the Dolphin Centre, which delivers vital women’s services, improves access to education and offers volunteering and employment opportunities.
The centre, owned by Birmingham City Council and leased by the Norton Hall charity, is viewed as a valued resource in one of the city’s most deprived wards.
More than 80 per cent of the population are from ethnic minority backgrounds and more than one third of people have no qualifica- tions. The project would see the building made more energy efficient, with more spaces for entrepreneurial women.
A council report stated the works would be the ‘catalyst’ to reconnecting the community with the park.
The park would see improved wildlife habitats, a re-profiling of the Wash Brook, woodland thinning, half a kilometre of new cycle path linking to the HS2 depot, and outdoor gym equipment.
The council’s cabinet has approved funding applications worth £1.4 million and £1 million to be made to the European Structural and Investment Funds and HS2 Community and Environment Funds respectively.
Cllr Sharon Thomson, homes and neighbourhoods chief, said: “The impact of HS2 on the Ward End community is significant. And where they are located at the moment, they are in a good position to put in for the funding and get that support.
“This will help meet some of the key priorities for the council in terms of the skills agenda, health and well-being, air quality. It is important to say the Dolphin Centre have done considerable work, particularly around learning in that area which is classed as having high levels of deprivation.”
HS2 bosses have also set out plans to create three ponds and a reptile “basking bank” near Berkswell, between Birmingham and Coventry. The site lies to the west of the Beechwood Farm complex, in Hodgetts Lane.
The development is intended to compensate for wildlife habitats which will be lost when construction work on the multi-billion pound rail line begins.
An existing pond near Kenilworth Greenway is also due to be removed as part of the project.
The new pools are designed to encourage species such as the common toad and a wide range of insect life, while the bank nearby is expected to attract grass snakes.
HS2’s ecological report said that by limiting the size of the ponds, it will discourage wildfowl – with concern that flocks of birds could pose a risk to the planes travelling to and from Birmingham Airport.