We were delighted to approve the Sandwell Valley Masterplan at Cabinet which will see a £7.8m investment in Sandwell Valley Country Park.

The plan, which covers the ten year period until 2034, brings together different aspects of Sandwell Valley’s Visitor services with the aim of making Sandwell a destination of choice, as well as achieving efficiencies and economies of scales by some shared functions and management.

The Sandwell Valley Master Plan includes the following:

• Connectivity and parking across all sites
• Improvements to Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre, including repairs, a retractable roof for wedding, events, and activities, and an expanded cafe and shop offer
• A new Heritage Discovery Zone offering educational play and activity linked to the history and conservation elements of Sandwell Valley for all ages of children and additional needs
• A new Watersports Centre and Cafe at Swan Pool to replace the current building, with expanded parking.
• A new food education and cooking barn to promote healthy eating and cooking in Sandwell for schools, families, and parents.

Sandwell Valley Country Park is a large estate spanning over 1,800 acres of open countryside. The Country Park includes Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre, Forge Mill Farm, Sandwell Showground, Sandwell Valley Amusements, the King George V Pavilion with changing room facilities, Swan Pool as well as playgrounds and sites for various sports and leisure activities including Mini-Golf, High Ropes, Bike Tracks and model flying.

Sandwell Valley Country Park has strategic importance for Sandwell, and already attracts 100,000’s walkers, runners, and visitor every year and remains a place of pride for the residents of Sandwell.

Councillor Laura Rollins, Cabinet Member for Housing & Built Environment said “I was delighted to bring the Masterplan to cabinet for approval after nearly 2 years of hard work from a lot of people, including officers and partners, and 6am site walks in the rain! Sandwell Valley really is a jewel in the crown of Sandwell, but it can be better. This plan sets out how we retain what we all love about the country park, but provide additional experiences, better accessibility and connectivity, and build on our excellent education offer.”