Projects recognised for helping to transform the West Midlands’ future

Three projects helping to reimagine the West Midlands and respond to major challenges of our times have been formally recognised at an inaugural awards ceremony.

The West Midlands National Park, the brainchild of Kathryn Moore, Professor of Landscape Architecture at Birmingham City University, has announced the first three recipients of the West Midlands National Park Project Awards.

The trio of winning schemes demonstrate the work taking place across the West Midlands to reimagine its future.

The West Midlands National Park (WMNP) is a long-term spatial vision to deal with the challenges faced by the West Midlands, including the climate emergency, regeneration, environment, transport, identity, infrastructure, employment, skills, well-being and achieving a resilient green recovery.

By encouraging cross-boundary working and delivery, the West Midlands National Park is a means to an end, a vehicle to help drive social, economic and environmental change in the region.

The West Midlands National Park (WMNP) Awards programme is designed to support the delivery of the WMNP, by recognising, celebrating and sharing best practice, policy and research.

Judged by an international jury, the inaugural winners demonstrate excellence in the way their submissions align with the WMNP ethos in order to create integrated approaches to the development, transformation and management of our physical and cultural resources.

The first West Midlands National Park project winners are:

WMNP Strategic Spatial Policy and Long Term Impact Award

Black Country Core Strategy – The Black Country Consortium:

The Black Country Core Strategy is a planning and regeneration plan for the whole of the Black Country, signed up to by the four Black Country Councils (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton).

The Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) sets out the vision, objectives and strategy for future development in the Black Country up to 2026 and beyond.

WMNP Future Vision Award

Our Future City Plan – Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council has outlined a vision for change in the central part of Birmingham. Shaping our City outlines the context of the area, key challenges and opportunities.

Our Future City Plan outlines a template for major change in Birmingham. Using the climate emergency as impetus, the Plan is setting a new direction, aiming for a zero-carbon approach to development. It will also build inclusive growth principles into the very foundation of all plans to ensure that every citizen in Birmingham benefits from development.

WMNP Community Impact Award

George’s Park, Lozells – Friends of George’s Park

The Friends of Georges Park was formed in January 2021 to promote, protect and preserve Georges Park and enhance local community engagement into green spaces. It is located in the heart of the Lozells area of Birmingham and is part of an environmentally charged super diverse community.

The group lobby’s for investment which can improve the park’s safety, cleanliness, access and also ensure the conservation, protection, heritage and biodiversity as a legacy for local people.