Green & Open Space Strategy

LADYWOOD BIRMINGHAM

GREEN & OPEN SPACE STRATEGY 2014 - 2024

ANDREW THORNTON 629855

JIM SPILLANE 391292

LUCY FERGUSON 327515

STEPH SWEENEY 668080

SRI TUNTUNG PANDANGWAIT 666427

SITE ANLAYSIS QUICK FACTS

CONTEXT Birmingham is a major city in the West Midlands region; it is the second largest city in England (Figure 1.1). There are 10 districts (parliamentary constituencies), the Ladywood district is the largest district in terms of population and third largest in terms of size (Figure 1.2). The Ladywood district comprises of the four inner city wards of Aston, Ladywood, Nechells and Soho.

26.7%

2014 POPULATION

2024 POPULATION

137, 715

174, 456

AREA

4 WARDS

25.85 km 2

Aston, Ladywood, Nechells & Soho

34

Parks & Gardens

18

Outdoor Sports Facilities

SUTTON COLDFIELD

PERRY BAR

ERDINGTON

NEWCASTLE 829,300

LADYWOOD MANCHESTER 1,876,200 LIVERPOOL 787,600

BIRMINGHAM 2,419,500 BRISTOL 691,000

LEEDS 751,500 SHEFFIELD 810,000 NOTTINGHAM 640,900

66.2%

OPEN SPACE

HODGE HILL

UNDER 35 YEARS OLD

2.37km

2

LONDON 9,480,600

49.3% FLATS

SELLY OAK

Source: Birmingham City Council (2014)

Source: Royal Institute of British Architects (2014)

28.4%

ETHNIC COMPOSITION

26.7%

63.1%

Portion of households with an annual income under $28,000

192,000

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

USE PRIVATE TRANSPORT TO TRAVEL TO WORK

JOBS

48.2%

Source: Birmingham City Council (2014)

DEMOGRAPHICS

HOUSING AGE PROFILE

ETHNIC GROUPS

Source: Birmingham City Council (2013)

Source: Birmingham City Council (2013)

BIRMINGHAM

26.7%

90 + 85 - 89 80 - 84 75 - 79 70 - 74 65 - 69 60 - 64 55 - 59 50 - 54 45 - 49 40 - 44 35 - 39 30 - 34 25 - 29 20 - 24 15 - 19 10 - 14 5-9 0-4

LADYWOOD

Ladywood is one of the most diverse districts within Birmingham. Ladywood district has the highest portion of residents born overseas of the 10 districts and is almost double that of Birmingham as a whole.

OTHER 9.5%

WHITE 27.3%

2% 4% 6% 8% 10%12%14%

14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2%

2024

RESIDENTS BORN OUTSIDE THE UK

BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL DISTRICTS

MAJOR CITIES IN ENGLAND

Ladywood’s population is expected to rise by 26.7% or 36,741, from 137,715 to 174,456 in the decade to 2024.

WHITE 27.3%

BLACK 22.7% ASIAN 40.5%

HALL GREEN

HOUSING STOCK

Source: Birmingham City Council (2012)

OTHER 9.5%

YARDLEY

EDGBASTON

NORTHFIELD

POPULATION PROJECTION

40.3%

Portion of overcrowded households

Ladywood has a younger population than Birmingham as a whole, 66% of the population are aged under 35 years. This is the second highest portion of young people compared with the other districts.

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE

PORTION OF OVERCROWDED HOUSEHOLDS

2.9

28.4%

HOUSING STOCK: NUMBER OF BEDROOMS

HOUSING STOCK: PROPERTY TYPE

Source: Birmingham City Council 2013

Source: Birmingham City Council 2013

37% 1 BEDROOM

49% FLAT

36% 2 BEDROOMS

34% HOUSE

23% 3 BEDROOMS

4%

4% BLACK 22.7%

In 2001 34.6% of the housing stock was apartments, by 2011 this figure was 49.3%. With this shift towards more densely urbanised areas comes the loss of private open space associated with detached houses. This combined with issues of overcrowding places additional pressures on existing open space.

4+ BEDROOMS

BUNGALOW

13% OTHER

ASIAN 40.5%

HEALTH & WELLBEING

PORTION OF OVERWEIGHT 10-11 YEAR OLDS

43.5%

45% 40%

14%

35%

12%

30%

10%

25%

LADYWOOD

PERRY BAR

HALL GREEN

YARDLEY

ERDINGTON

HODGE HILL

2%

NORTHFIELD

4%

EDGBASTON

LADYWOOD

HODGE HILL

YARDLEY

PERRY BAR

HALL GREEN

ERDINGTON

Birmingham has the lowest participation in physical activity of the major cities in the United Kingdom. Only 8.9% of adults reported undertaking adequate levels of exercise.

5%

EDGBASTON

Birmingham has the highest rate of diabetes of the major cities in the United Kingdom. Physical exercise is a vital component of prevention.

10%

NORTHFIELD

8.9%

6%

15% SELLY OAK

6.7%

8%

20%

SUTTON COLDFIELD

LOW LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

HIGH PREVELANCE OF DIABETES IN ADULTS

15.1%

16%

SELLY OAK

Source: Royal Institute of British Architects (2014)

The City Health Check, a report released by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2014 ranks the nine most populated cities in England over a series of health indicators (life expectancy, diabetes, obesity in children and deprivation). Birmingham was one of the worst performing cities, ranking last in two categories (physical activity and diabetes). The study found a clear link between the amount of green space and housing and health when comparing the amount of green space in the highest and lowest ranking cities.

PORTION OF OVERALL ADMISIIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Source: Birmingham City Council (2013)

Source: Birmingham City Council (2013)

SUTTON COLDFIELD

CITY HEALTH CHECK

The Ladywood District Profile (2013), using the Public Health Outcome Framework indicators, identifies childhood obesity and mental health and wellbeing as their key priorities; ranking last in both categories across the 10 districts. In 2011 27% of children were overweight at school reception (4-5 years old) and 43.5% in Year 6 (10-11 years old). Childhood obesity is a major determinant of adult obesity, which leads to premature mortality and avoidable ill health. Ladywood also has the highest portion of admissions for mental health issues of the districts.

SOCIAL

The 2010 Relative Deprivation Index (RDI) for England calculates the degree of social deprivation across the nation based on a number of key indicators.

This data is used to provide an indication of relative deprivation within local authorities based on national standards.

The Relative Deprivation Index (RDI) as applied to the Ladywood district, highlighting patterns of social disadvantage with significant proportions of the district falling within the most deprived 5% nationally. This pattern is consistent around the City Core.

Disadvantage in this category is most dominant in Nechells, while Ladywood displayed lower Relative Deprivation than the other wards.

Unsafe Spaces

RELATIVE DEPRIVATION INDEX (ALL INDICATORS)

Source: Birmingham City Council (2010)

DISTRIBUTION OF VICTIMISATION AND OPEN SPACE

There exists a strong associaThe #1 Issue preventing the use of public tion between the distribution space in Ladywood is Community Safety of Parks and Open Space, and & Fear of Crime high rates of Personal and Mate-

Rate of Personal and Material Victimisation (National crime distribution as percentage)

rial Victimisation. The spatial link Factors that make it a strategic issue between these factors supports perceptions of public spaces The perceived and actual safety of public parks and spaces within Ladywood key strategic in as unsafe, withis of victimisation importance. Public space is a limited resource within the district and the need for safe incluthese areas acting asand a major sive urban spaces is increasingly recognised. deterrent to the optimisation of these facilities. Parks and open space are currently underutilised and the fear of crime as the key factors deterring the use of public spaces. within Ladywood, to increase usage issue to of statistically safety in these Negative perceptions of parks and open spaces as ‘unsafe’ can bethe attributed high parks must be addressed. personal and material victimisation rates, as well as poor urban design and landscaping features.

Top 5% in England Top 5-10% in England Top 10 - 25% in England

Parks and Open Space (All Categories)

Consequently, parks and public spaces within Ladywood are underutilised, as public perceptions risk.

Figure 0.0 - Distribution of Victimisation and Public Space in Ladywood District

Consequences of Failure to Address

Source: Birmingham City Council 2010

“Barren spaces are more frightening to people and are more crime-prone than parks landscaped with greenery and open vistas” – American Planning Association

- Inadequate Lighting for safe night access

Figure 0.0 reveals a strong association between the distribution of Parks and Open Space, and high rates of Personal and Material Victimisation. The spatial link between these factors supports perceptions of public spaces as unsafe, with victimisation in these areas acting as a major deterrent to the optimisation of these facilities. Parks and open space are currently underutilised within Ladywood, and if they are to greater utilised the issue of safety in these parks must be addressed.

TRANSPORT

WALKABILITY CATCHMENTS (OPEN SPACE & PUBLIC TRANSPRT)

ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT

BIKE PATHS & OPEN SPACE

Source: Network West Midlands (2014)

Source: Birmingham City Council (2014)

The transit diagram for the municipality of Ladywood shows the distribution of three principal transport networks. The primary road network forms a ring road around the city centre. The train network is radial, from the city centre (New Street & Moor Street Stations). The bus network also operates in a radial pattern from the city centre on predominately smaller arterial roads. The radial nature of these two public systems creates a scenario whereby there is minimal connection between transport modes, leading to regions deprived of access to connected public transport options.

The bike network is currently a disconnected and incoherent system of paths. There is a strong correlation between green spaces and closed networks of bike paths, indicating that cycling may currently be seen as predominately a recreational activity rather than as a viable transit mode. Many of the more linear and direct cycling paths become disconnected within the city centre; this is evidence of possible prioritisation of other transport modes such as car use. These unconnected paths create a scenario with definite scope for improvement in cycling infrastructure.

Source: Birmingham City Council (2014)

Walkability catchments of both train stations and significant green spaces within the city of Ladywood is illustrated. Each circle has a radius of 400 metres, an accepted measure of suitable walkability. Train stations are predominately grouped within the Birmingham central city area, with the East also relatively well serviced. However, the Western region of Ladywood is not well connected by rail. There is a low correlation between train station and green space walking catchments. The one exception being the ‘five ways’ rail station on the Southern border of Ladywood which is surrounded by four green spaces.

GREEN & OPEN SPACE PROVISION OPEN SPACE TYPOLOGY & DISTRIBUTION

The distribution and typologies of open space across the Ladywood district illustrates significant gaps in supply centrally and in the northern borders (open spaces in adjoining wards have been considered). Most significant open spaces are located on the periphery of the region, with some smaller green and civic spaces located in the central city area.

Source: Birmingham City Council (2006) &Urban Green Space Task Force (2002)

PARKS & GARDENS • Urban and country parks • Formal gardens AMENITY GREEN SPACE • Informal recreation spaces • Village greens • Other incidental spaces • Most commonly in housing areas GREEN CORRIDORS • Wildlife migration opportunities • Road and rail corridors • Pedestrian and cycling paths

NUMBER 34

1.03

43.47 %

23

0.39

16.52 %

GREEN CORRIDORS

11

0.20

8.47 %

NATURAL / SEMI-NATURAL GREEN SPACE

2

0.12

5.14 %

OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITY

18

0.52

22.17 %

PROVISION FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

15

0.06

2.60%

5

0.04

1.64%

108

2.37

PARKS & GARDENS

PROVISION FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE • Play areas • Skateboard parks • Basketball hoops • Other informal areas

AMENITY GREEN SPACE

OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITY • Natural or artificial surfaces • Publicly or privately owned • Tennis courts, sports pitches & fields NATURAL / SEMI-NATURAL GREEN SPACE • Woodland and scrub • Grassland (meadows) • Wetlands • Derelict open land

SIZE KM2 PERCENTAGE

CIVIC SPACE

The Ladywood district has a total of 2.37 square skilometers of open spaces. The typologies are broken down, illustrating the number, size and portion of each of the types. Parks and gardens make up the highest portion, followed by outdoor sports facilities. Amenity and green corridors open spaces are primarily aesthetic and environmental, and do not provide formal recreational facilities.

CIVIC SPACE • Civic and market squares • Hard surfaced pedestrian areas • Designed for pedestrians CANAL / RESERVOIR RIVER

PER CAPITA OPEN SPACE PROVISION DISTRICT AVERAGE

PER CAPITA OPEN SPACE PROVISION BY WARD

The Birmingham City Council Unitary Development Plan (2005) sets the target for public open space as 20,000 square metres per 1,000 head of population, which equates to 20 square meters per capita.

The Ladywood currently provides an average 17 square metres per capita.

Per capita provision has been further broken down by ward, illustarting disparities.

Nechells is the only ward to exceed the target, wheras Aston, Ladywood and Soho are below. Ladywood ward is the worst performing, providing 0.42 square kiolmeters which is below 14 square metres per person.

TARGET

20 M2 PER CAPITA

2014

17 M2 PER CAPITA

2024

13 M2 PER CAPITA

ASTON

SOHO

16.26m2

19.64m2 LADYWOOD

13.91m 2

Population growth will result in a further decline in the ratio of open space provision to population. Improvement to the quantity, diversity and quality of open space will be required to cater to the increased population.

POPULATION OPEN SPACE KM2

NECHELLS

24.33m2

SOHO

LADYWOOD

ASTON

NECHELLS

30,317

30,133

32,268

33,957

0.60

0.42

0.52

0.83

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

URBAN HEAT ISLAND INTENSITY

BLUE & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Source: Birmingham City Council (2006)

Source: Birmingham City Council (2006)

THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT (UHI): The Birmingham region is located at 150-300m above sea level, and is characterised by a cool and temperate climate.

However, the region does experience the impacts of the urban heat island effect. This is evident predominantly within the Ladywood district and is most pronounced within the central business district where temperatures can reach more than four degrees above average.

BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE (WATERWAYS): Birmingham is home to an extensive waterway system that includes the River Rea and a number of canals. The condition of these waterways has deteriorated after being used for industrial processes. EPA rated significant sections of inner city canals in the bottom sector of ecological health.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (PARKS AND GARDENS): Birmingham is home to large tracts of green open spaces, yet the district of Ladywood has only 2.37 square kilometres of green space. Fragmented green spaces reduce connectivity for local flora and fauna, whilst impacting negatively on rates of use for local residents. Isolated green spaces within urban areas also have the potential to contribute to the UHI effect.

ANDREW THORNTON 629855

JIM SPILLANE 391292

LUCY FERGUSON 327515

SRI TUNTUNG PANDANGWAIT 666427

STEPH SWEENEY 668080

VISION

“A GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN DISTRICT, THAT PRORITIESES OPEN SPACES IN ORDER TO FOSTER HEALTHY, SAFE AND CONNECTED COMMUNITIES”

KEY ISSUES & STRATEGIES

01

02

INADEQUATE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE

03

WIDESPREAD HEALTH PROBLEMS

Ladywood has 108 individual open spaces covering approximately 2.37km2, this equates to just over 9% of the Ladywood total area.

Ladywood fails to achieve the public open space per capita target set by The Birmingham City Council. The target is 20m2 per capita, but Ladywood currently just provides 17m2. Furthermore, population growth will result in a decline in the ratio of open space provision. In the decade to 2024 the Ladywood population is expected to rise by approximately 27% , lowering this figure to 13m2 per capita (Birmingham City Council 2012). Further demand for housing continues to place pressure on existing open space as housing stock shifts towards higher density and the associated private open space reduces.

EQUITABLE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE

Ladywood performs poorly across a series of health indicators. This can be seen from two factors: low physical activity participation rate and high level of illness related to lack of exercise.

These health issues include childhood obesity, the prevalence of diabetes and mental health admissions. Provision of parks and open spaces has a strong correlation with increased physical activity and decreasing levels of anxiety and stress.

POOR CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN OPEN SPACES There is a clear disconnection between the green spaces located within Ladywood. This segregation poses a number of issues for the region. In terms of environmental impacts, disconnected open spaces impact the migratory patterns and health of local biodiversity. While fragmented green spaces may further contribute to the urban heat island effect.

Proximity, quality, aesthetic value and condition of infrastructure are all factors that contribute to the effectiveness of public open space and its impact on encouraging walking and physical activity. The provision of successful open spaces is therefore a critical issue for the health and wellbeing of the Ladywood region.

Connectivity of green spaces is also vital for human access. Without people inhabiting green spaces, these areas become undervalued and often unsafe. Connectivity also facilitates the movement of people throughout the city via active transportation modes. A failure to address this issue has the potential to create urban regions that are car dependent, leading to increased emissions and poor health outcomes.

SPACES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHIER CITY

OPEN SPACES THAT CREATE A CONNECTED NETWORK

POLICY CONTEXT

Due to the demand for a coordinated and locally delivered green space strategy, the Birmingham Green and Open Spaces Strategy adopts a district-level approach to green space management. Ladywood is currently Birmingham’s only district to feature its own green space strategy, with the flagship strategy potentially paving the way for further district level management into the future.

Unitary Development Plan Birmingham Development Plan (Draft)

Big City Plan

Digbeth, Deritend & Bordesly Conservation Plan Aston, Newtown and Lozells Area Action Plan

UNSAFE & DETERIORATING STATE OF OPEN SPACES

DEGRADED ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

The perceived and actual safety of public parks and spaces within Ladywood is of key strategic importance. Public space is a limited resource within the district and the need for safe and inclusive urban spaces is increasingly recognised.

Recent surveys commissioned by the Birmingham City Council have identified community safety and the fear of crime as the key factors deterring the use of public spaces.

The Urban Heat Island effect is experienced in Ladywood due to a lack of canopy cover and excessive built form.

Negative perceptions of parks and open spaces as ‘unsafe’ can be attributed to statistically high personal and material victimisation rates, as well as poor urban design and landscaping features.

Consequently, parks and public spaces within Ladywood are underutilised, as public perceptions of safety influence behaviour and cause people to avoid spaces that are associated with personal risk.

Water quality within the district has also been severely impacted due to a long history of manufacturing and heavy industry within the area.

As the process of de-industrialisation continues to occur, brownfield sites and newly developed open spaces must work to decontaminate stormwater and improve the health of aquatic and riparian systems.

Large tracts of developed land have broken migratory corridors and isolated a range of both flora and fauna. Increasing the total area of seminatural open spaces is vital to the biodiversity of the region.

OPEN SPACES THAT CREATE A THRIVING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

SAFER & MORE SECURE OPEN SPACES

Delivering the Ladywood Green and Open Space strategy is a long term process. Objectives and outcomes identified as part of the strategy are to be achieved gradually over a ten year time frame and require a range of coordinated approaches. To ensure focus and direction is maintained throughout the implementation process a detailed strategic plan supported by a consistent management approach is required. Through this approach it is expected that objectives for the collective improvement of Ladywood’s green and open spaces can be realised by 2024, and a quality foundation for the continued enhancement of green spaces and public life can be established for the future.

SHORT TERM 2014 - 2016

The darker arrows indicate the main stages of delivery

Birmingham City Council

Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Development Plan

05

IMPLEMENTATION

The Ladywood Green and Open Spaces Strategy forms part of Birmingham’s comprehensive planning policy fabric, complementing many existing City Council strategies and supporting the implementation of the Birmingham Development Plan and Unitary Development Plan.

Neighbourhood Development Plans

04

01

EQUITABLE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE

02

SPACES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHIER CITY

03

OPEN SPACES THAT CREATE A CONNECTED NETWORK

04

SAFER & MORE SECURE OPEN SPACES

05

OPEN SPACES THAT CREATE A THRIVING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

MEDIUM TERM 2017 - 2020

LONG TERM 2021 - 2024

Green Living Spaces Plan

LADYWOOD GREEN & OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

Related Planning Strategies Housing Development Plan Nature Conservation Strategy Local Transportation Plan

Ward Strategies & Plans Aston Open Space Plan

Delivery Growth Strategy

Ladywood Open Space Plan

Archaeology Strategy

Play Strategy for Birmingham

Nechells Open Space Plan Soho Open Space Plan

Critical to achieving the long-term sustainable outcomes of the Ladywood Green and Open Spaces Strategy is a comprehensive management and review process. From the outset of the implementation phase and continuing beyond the current 10-year strategic time frame, the process will draw upon public satisfaction surveys, data collection and a range of success indicators, whilst maintaining an ongoing progress assessment. Subsequent Progress Reports are to be released on a 5 year basis, evaluating the success of current projects and providing recommendations for the ongoing implementation process, which is to be updated accordingly.

MONITORING AND REVIEW

The Ladywood District Authority is responsible for managing the implementation and review process, with a Constituency Parks Manager (CPM) appointed to oversee the operation and provide recommendations. Extensive stakeholder consultation will be conducted as part of the report, to ensure all outcomes and recommendations represent community needs and vision as best possible.

Critical to achieving the long-term sustainable outcomes of the Ladywood Green and Open Spaces Strategy is a comprehensive management and review process. From the outset of the implementation phase and continuing beyond the current 10-year strategic time frame, the process will draw upon public satisfaction surveys, data collection and a range of success indicators, whilst maintaining an ongoing progress assessment. Subsequent Progress Reports are to be released on a 5 year basis, evaluating the success of current projects and providing recommendations for the ongoing implementation process, which is to be updated accordingly.

Success Indicators Implementation Process

ANDREW THORNTON 629855

JIM SPILLANE 391292

LUCY FERGUSON 327515

Progress Report

Data Collection Public Satisfaction Survey

The Ladywood District Authority is responsible for managing the implementation and review process, with a Constituency Parks Manager (CPM) appointed to oversee the operation and provide recommendations. Extensive stakeholder consultation will be conducted as part of the report, to ensure all outcomes and recommendations represent community needs and vision as best possible.

Analysis & Review

Stakeholder Consultation

Monitoring & Review Process - 5 year cycle

SRI TUNTUNG PANDANGWAIT 666427

STEPH SWEENEY 668080

ACTION PLAN

01

EQUITABLE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE OBEJCTIVES

ACTIONS

Preserve Existing Open Space

Protect existing green spaces from future development

Short Term

Total green space area maintained (2.36km2 as of 2014)

Develop a portfolio of brownfield and under utilised public urban spaces for potential green space activation

Short Term

Spatial indicators of green space distribution

Identify areas of green space deprivation for prioritised allocation

Long Term

Establish New Open Spaces

TIMEFRAME

Create Diverse Open Spaces

02

Develop a range of open space types that cater for a variety of stakeholders

ACTIONS

Provide health and exercise related opportunities within open spaces to boost participation

Develop health and fitness programmes to increase activity

Short Term

Number of fitness programmes & participants

Promote the development of community sporting and recreation groups

Short Term

Percentage of adults undertaking moderate exercise

Identify and address deficiencies in provision through the completion of a playing field quality audit

Short Term

Provide high quality play opportunities for a variety of age groups

TIMEFRAME

Account for broad range of physical activities and provide a diverse range of facilities to allow for these

Completion of audit and annual review process

Medium Term

Develop a network of clearly marked routes, promoting walking, running and cycling

Short Term

Create local walking maps and implement a clear wayfinding programme

Short Term

Create design and maintenance standards for children and young people’s spaces

Short Term

Involve children and young people in the design and development of play spaces

Medium Term

Reconnect children with spaces that promote creativity and experiential learning

Medium Term

INDICATORS

Mode shift measurements to active transportation types

Reducation in childhood obesity Participation rates

OPEN SPACES THAT CREATE A CONNECTED NETWORK OBEJCTIVES

ACTIONS

Establish both green and blue corridors that connect open spaces

TIMEFRAME

Construct a pedestrian and cycling network that links community facilities

Implement design standards in order to enhance the quality of active transport

Long Term

Activate open spaces in order to connect existing urban functions

Encourage temporary uses and pop up retail within open spaces

Short Term

INDICATORS Achieve an increase in linked cycling path provision

Medium Term

Improve footpath and bike lane infrastructure

Reduce travel times for all commuters

Attain a greater percentage of those who choose to walk or cycle Reduce the number of cycling related injuries and deaths

Achieve an increase in the total patronage of existing infrastructure adjacent to open spaces

SAFER & MORE SECURE OPEN SPACES OBEJCTIVES

ACTIONS

TIMEFRAME

Conduct Ladywood Open Space Quality Audit to determine the real and perceived safety of the District’s public spaces.

Enhance the safety of existing green and open spaces in Ladywood through design

Develop and Implement Safer Ladywood: Urban Design Guidelines; prioritising implementation based on LOSQA Assessment Repair and Replace run down and damaged facilities

Foster Community Ownership of Public Spaces

Short Term

INDICATORS Achieve design standards set out in Safer Ladywood: Urban Design Guidelines

Medium Term

Perceptions of Safety in Public Spaces as indicated in Public Satisfaction Surverys

Short Term

Invest in Civic Maintenance programs

05

Achieve an increase the total percentage of under represented open spaces such as ‘semi-natural’ and ‘green corridors’

Long Term

OBEJCTIVES

Promote walking and cycling routes in open spaces

04

Increase the total area of green space within the Ladywood district in line with minimum per capita area

SPACES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHIER CITY

Increase quality and diversity of playing fields

03

Social Deprivation / Safety

Medium Term

Reclaim underutilised land for open spaces

INDICATORS

Assess raw crime statistics for incidents reported in public spaces

Medium Term

Involve local stakeholders in the enhancement process to ensure community identity and expectations are reflected in each space

Short Term

Establish Friends of the Park community group to involve local people in the ongoing maintenance and beautification of Ladywood’s Public Spaces

Short Term

Facilitate and promote a range of community activities, festivals and celebrations in public spaces

Short Term

Perceptions of Safety and Community Ownership in Public Spaces as indicated in Public Satisfaction Surverys

OPEN SPACES THAT CREATE A THRIVING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OBEJCTIVES

ACTIONS

TIMEFRAME

Reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect

Improve tree distribution and increase in total canopy cover levels

Improve local water quality

Include water sensitive urban design features within enhanced open spaces

Medium Term

Maintain and enhance the existing local habitat

Increase the total area of ‘semi-natural’ open spaces

Medium Term

Encourage the development of innovative green features

Transform built features in order to incorporate vegetation

Short Term

INDICATORS Successful mitigation of the projected temperature increases that are associated with the UHI effect

Reduced turbidity and volume of stormwater runoff

ANDREW THORNTON 629855

JIM SPILLANE 391292

LUCY FERGUSON 327515

Short Term

SRI TUNTUNG PANDANGWAIT 666427

Improved riparian and aquatic health levels

Improve the health of local flora and fauna

Increase the number of pocket parks and green walls or roofs

STEPH SWEENEY 668080