Skate Park preserved
A skatepark in Selly Oak, which was funded and built by the community, will be preserved as Aldi extends its store in the area. However, the expansion will result in the loss of two basketball courts and a children’s playground, though Aldi will make a payment of £433,095 towards the creation of two new playgrounds at Selly Oak Park as compensation. The skatepark received support from 35 letters, and the expansion of the Aldi store, which will include 1315 sqm of retail space and 131 parking spaces, six of which will be disability bays, was approved by the Birmingham City Council planning committee.
A community-built skatepark on a Selly Oak recreation ground will be saved but two basketball courts and a dilapidated children’s playground will likely be lost as an Aldi store is extended. Locals had been concerned about the future of the much-loved park which was created from scratch and funded entirely by community members before opening in September 2021.
Two planning applications submitted earlier this year - one for the Aldi renovation and one to build ten affordable homes - threatened its chances of survival. However, the latest application by the popular German brand makes it clear there will be space for the skate park even if both proposals are voted through.
But two basketball courts and a dilapidated children’s playground would be sacrificed, a loss mitigated by a payment by Aldi of £433,095 towards creating two new playgrounds at Selly Oak Park. Birmingham City Council ’s planning committee this week unanimously approved plans to turn the shop by 90 degrees and create a new glass frontage, allowing for 1315 sqm of retail space.
A total of 131 parking spaces will also be provided, six of which will be disability bays, six parent and child bays, and four with electric vehicle charging points. A spot for parking up to 16 bikes will also be situated at the Bristol Road entrance.
35 letters were received supporting the shop’s renovation which emphasised that the larger shop would be beneficial to local residents and that the existing shop is outdated. Addressing the committee, Cllr Gareth Moore (Cons, Erdington) said: “I have very fond memories of this Aldi.
“When I was a student I used to go to it very frequently and it’s a very well used retail unit so I’m not surprised it needs to expand to meet the growth of student demand in Selly Oak. Happy to support although it is disappointing about the loss of the recreation ground but there is compensation offered for that which is a sizeable amount, so I think it’s a good win for all.”
Speaking in March, director of the skate park, Berni Good said: “We know this space wasn’t used before, so we understand why the council might have considered the site for redevelopment, but since Covid we’ve built this beautiful place that is packed with people all of the time including young people, old people and families.”
Shaun Boyle, a founding member of the park, said: “This space holds much value to all who use it, the park is a cherished green space and social, community hub in an area of predominantly young people and students. People need these recreational spaces to thrive in their physical and mental well being.”