BIRDBOX Bromsgrove has won ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’ at the prestigious 2021 Insider West Midlands Property awards.
Launched in August 2020, the pop-up events space was designed by ONE Creative Environments (ONE) on behalf of North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) and Bromsgrove District Council.
The area has transformed the unused site on St John’s Street into a temporary public realm and mixed-use community destination which is bringing a hive of activity into the town centre.
Named after a feature carved into many of the existing Bromsgrove shopfronts, the BirdBox was designed to provide a flexible space for ‘pop-up’ and mobile businesses, giving opportunities and support to start-ups and local entrepreneurs.
It includes a range of community facilities – a stage, creative seating and open areas which during Covid-19 provided outdoor socially-distanced space for small retail outlets.
Since its introduction it has been well-received by residents and visitors and has strong environmental credentials – almost everything on site has been re-used or recycled.
The use of feature trees in planters scatter light through the space offering flexibility, shade and extends the use of the site during the evening with provision for public arts projects and bold graphics which create a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Bromsgrove District Council has maximised this opportunity with an exciting programme of open air and socially-distanced events.
Bromsgrove District Council Leader Karen May said: “This is fantastic news for Bromsgrove and so well-deserved to all those involved in creating this amazing space which has already been enjoyed by so many.
“To receive accolades and praise from external audiences validates the success of the BirdBox project and demonstrates what partnership working can achieve.
“Coupled with last month’s news the town has been awarded £14.5million for regeneration I am proud to say this council is well-placed to deliver on its promises, and beyond, to create an even Better Bromsgrove for our residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
ONE, which has a Worcester HQ and offices in Birmingham and London, worked closely with all parties to deliver the design alongside other local companies – contractors Kelbec Civils, and Whiting Landscape.
Mark Martin, Director at ONE, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Bird Box has won this prestigious award and is being recognised by others. It has been wonderful to see local businesses and all of the community benefitting from this project’s vibrant outdoor space.”
The BirdBox has also received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Constructing Excellence Midlands 2021 Awards for Conservation and Regeneration and has been shortlisted in the Activation category at the Festival of Place Pineapple 2021 awards
Visit facebook.com/BirdBoxBromsgrove for more information on BirdBox and the events there.
Go to oneltd.com for more on ONE.
- WHAT do you think of the Bromsgrove BirdBox? Do you think it should become a permanent fixture in the town centre? What have you enjoyed about the events which have been held there? Email your views to [email protected]
