Sandwell Council has opened a consultation on the implementation of the Sandwell Valley Master Plan and is asking residents and businesses for their views.

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 offers a proposal of improvements to 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.

You can have your say on the plan online. Paper copies will also be available at libraries and the Council House. Councillor Charn Singh Padda, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said:

“Sandwell Valley Country Park is one the jewels in Sandwell’s crown. It is a place that many of us have been visiting for years for leisure, sport or just to relax and we want to make sure that it can be enjoyed by Sandwell residents for generations to come.

"This is why we are asking everyone to let us know what they think of the improvements we are proposing.”