PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on the future use of farm buildings at the main entrance to Northfield’s Manor Farm Park.
Birmingham City Council wants to hear from residents about plans put forward by two charities – the Cadbury Barn Trust and the Birmingham School of Bell Ringing.
They want to develop amenities to facilitate a wide range of recreational, educational, and cultural activities to promote good health and wellbeing.
Building on the work of the Friends of Manor Farm Park and other Stakeholders including Bournville Village Trust, the proposals are consistent with George Cadbury’s gift to the people of Birmingham but relevant to current day needs and expectations of park users and local residents.
The charities would like park users and south Birmingham residents to have their say on the proposals, and hopefully express their support, before the consultation closes on May 2.
The proposed development would see part of the site leased to the Cadbury Barn Trust to create indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, a community cafe and toilets.
In the joint venture with the Birmingham School of Bell Ringing, an educational resource to teach and promote bell ringing would be created, utilising digital simulators and total sound control in a modern, secular, environment.
The buildings – no longer needed by the council – are all those on the left-hand side as you enter from the Bristol Road.
The Parks Department would retain those on the right for their depot.
Birmingham City Council needs to apply to the Charity Commission for a variation to the terms of George Cadbury’s will before it can lease part of the site to the trusts and allow trading activities to take place (needed for the development to be financially viable).
Before applying, the council is undertaking a further public consultation to demonstrate to the Charity Commission that there is demand and support from park users and local residents.
Details of the Cadbury Barn Trust’s outline plans can be found at cadburybarntrust.org.uk/public-consultation and visit stmartinsguild.org/teaching/birmingham-university-of-bell-ringing/ for more on the plans for a ‘Birmingham University of Bell Ringing’.
People can visit birminghambeheard.org.uk/economy/manor-farm-park-consultation/ to have their say, entering their name to read the details, link to the charities and answer their six questions.
Anyone wanting to offer support in any way to the Cadbury Barn Trust, or to stay in touch with their plans, can email the group’s chair Lesley Pattenson at [email protected] or call them on 07976 274271.
