Bilston Urban Village transfers to the Land Trust on a 125 year lease

The Land Trust is delighted to announce that it has completed the transfer of Bilston Urban Village to its management portfolio.

An area with a strong industrial history, Bilston has seen significant investment over recent years and the Land Trust will manage the public open spaces and green infrastructure in a way that benefits existing communities and the 500 new homes, leisure centre and secondary school.

The land has transferred to the Trust on a 125 year lease.

Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the Land Trust said:

“We are really pleased to be managing the public open spaces at Bilston and recognise there is a huge opportunity to deliver a whole range of charitable benefits to this community.

“When you build new communities like this one it’s absolutely vital that green infrastructure is a central part of it, as it is these spaces that bring people together, turn houses into homes and neighbours into friends.

“We know that well managed green space also protects, and in many cases enhances, the investment that people make in their homes, and provides a host of physical and mental wellbeing benefits. We are also looking forward to working with the schools in the area as we know that many young people learn more effectively in an outdoor environment.

“Our vision for Bilston is all about transforming the lives of people we work with and unlocking the true potential of an area and we can’t wait to get started on site.”

Now that the Land Trust has begun management of the public open spaces within the urban village the charity will work with local stakeholders to establish a long term plan for the management of the green spaces. The public open space will demonstrate the area’s ability to deliver mixed use and sustainable housing development alongside the creation and management of high quality green spaces that are an asset for both local communities and biodiversity.

Hall added:

“For the green spaces to be successful in the long-term it’s absolutely vital that we engage with the existing community as well as the new residents to ensure that these spaces serve a range of purposes, from getting more people active, providing educational and training opportunities and enhancing the value of properties, but most importantly not at the expense of the wildlife and biodiversity that we want to thrive on site.”

Councillor Harman Banger, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said:

“The opportunity to work with the Land Trust has enabled the council to secure the necessary funding for the long-term future of the site.

“It sits on the doorstep of two schools and will contribute directly to the quality of life of local families, as well as providing a fabulous learning resource.

“The land transfer has enabled the creation of a true ‘garden city’ in this part of Black Country and works in harmony with council’s climate change goals.”