Land Trust hails official opening of Bilston Urban Village

The Land Trust’s Director of Portfolio Management, Alan Carter, hailed the opening of Bilston Urban village, a site that will shortly transfer to the national land management charity.

The opening event was attended by the Mayor and local schools with pupils enjoying a host of activities organised by the Land Trust and Groundwork West Midlands, including a nature scavenger hunt and making bug hotels.

Bilston is an area with a strong industrial history and has seen significant investment over recent years with the ongoing creation of 500 homes, while a new leisure centre and secondary school has also been built.

A key part of the new urban village is the creation of the new public open spaces and a network of paths and cycle routes across the site. This public open space will transfer to the Land Trust on a 125 year lease.

Carter said:

“It was fantastic to attend the official opening of Bilston Urban Village and we are delighted to be involved in this project from the outset.

“When you build new communities like this one it’s absolutely vital that green infrastructure is a central part of it. Our management will bring the community together and give the new residents, pupils and teachers of the new schools a wonderful space to enjoy.

“We know that well managed green space protects the investment people make in their new homes, provides a host of physical and mental health benefits and also provides a new environment for young people to learn in. The Land Trust’s vision is all about transforming the communities that we work with and we can’t wait to get started at Bilston and unlock the incredible potential it has.”

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

“The official opening of this space as part of Bilston Urban Village is a major milestone in the delivery of a comprehensive regeneration programme for Bilston.

“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 pooling of a number of funding streams has enabled the creation of a true ‘garden city’ in this part of the Black Country.”