The results of a consultation looking at how some of Bournville’s heritage buildings and green spaces could be repurposed for the benefit of the community are now available. Over 2,000 people responded to the Celebration Bournville consultation last year that was run by long-serving charitable trust Bournville Village Trust and Mondelēz International.
The consultation was also supported by a stakeholder group made up of representatives from community groups, organisations and businesses from the Bournville community. People were able to share their views on a range of ideas, in the form of conceptual drawings, for places such as the Walled Garden and former Cadbury Club.
The purpose of the consultation was to ascertain views of respondents to suggestions regarding the long term future of a set of heritage assets in Bournville – assets that generally either require maintenance or which are underused – meaning that there is a need to consider their long-term future. The suggestions had been drawn up by an architect’s team consisting of Burrell Foley Fischer, Donald Insall Associates, CFP, and PMP Consultants.
Of the 2,078 people who took part in the consultation, on average 81% of people were in favour of the overall project. These include suggestions for a restaurant in Bournville Pavilion, a wellbeing centre at the Claypits Pool and more sports and facilities for young people at Rowheath Pavilion.
Ruth Miller, an independent consultant who is leading the Celebration Bournville project on behalf of Bournville Village Trust and Mondelēz International, said:
“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Celebration Bournville consultation. What the consultation findings clearly show is that there is huge enthusiasm and passion for heritage buildings and green spaces in Bournville. However, some of these buildings and spaces are inaccessible or underused, and the community told us they want more community and recreational opportunities, social and leisure activities and sports and facilities for young people.
Bournville Village Trust, Mondelēz International and the Community Stakeholder Group are now in the very early stages of exploring the feasibility of the ideas that were consulted on. They will continue to work closely with the community to manage the concerns that were raised by some people and businesses through the consultation.”