Businesses and residents joined forces in what has been described as a “powerful show of local pride” to refresh and revitalise Park Square in Kings Heath.

This marks the first phase of a wider regeneration project led by West Northamptonshire Council, after Park Square was identified as a space in need of renewal.

The Kings Heath Partnership – a group of organisations with a vested interest in the area, facilitated by WNC’s community development and safety teams – worked collaboratively to improve the area and address local priorities.

Thanks to a generous donation of materials, volunteers and expertise from Travis Perkins, along with investment from WNC’s communities team, the vision for Park Square has been brought to life.

placeholder image — The Kings Heath Partnership – a group of organisations with a vested interest in the area, facilitated by WNC’s community development and safety teams – worked collaboratively to improve the area and address local priorities.

Kings Heath Primary School, The Church on the Heath, Kings Heath Residents Association, Free2Talk, Sports4Fitness, The County Toy Library, the neighbourhood policing team, WNC Park Rangers, Bees Be Happy community garden, and councillors Sally Keeble and John East came together on the community action days.

Support was also received from Veolia, who completed a deep clean prior to the event, Londis who provided refreshments, and Our Favourites takeaway which ensured volunteers were fueled with a hot lunch.

Across the two days, around 50 people took part by painting walls, constructing and planting raised plant beds, and helping create a more welcoming environment.

Councillor Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing and communities at WNC, said: “The Kings Heath Partnership brings together organisations and residents who all share a commitment to improving their local neighbourhood.

Thanks to a generous donation of materials, volunteers and expertise from Travis Perkins, along with investment from WNC’s communities team, the vision for Park Square has been brought to life.

“This project is the perfect example of what can be achieved when partners, residents and the local community work together. It’s been inspiring to see so many people giving their time to make this shared space brighter, safer and more welcoming for everyone.”

This is the first phase of a broader regeneration plan, with additional funding from the WNC Graffiti Taskforce and Lemonpop consulting young people to develop graphic art for the space. The pillars surrounding the square will soon feature inspirational words and positive messages chosen to uplift visitors.

The main body of work is expected to be completed in early spring, with further supported community action days planned to maintain momentum and ensure residents remain at the heart of the improvements.

Michelle Smith, social value manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: “The transformation of Park Square has made it a brighter and more welcoming environment for residents to enjoy. The materials we provided have made a visible impact, with the new greenery from the raised beds bringing fresh life to the precinct.

Across the two days, around 50 people took part by painting walls, constructing and planting raised plant beds, and helping create a more welcoming environment.

“Through our conversations with the council, it’s clear how committed the community is to maintaining this space, and we are proud to contribute to a project that will have a lasting, positive legacy for everyone in the area.

“I was also really pleased to see how engaged the community and nearby residents were and how they came out in force to help improve the area. There was a real buzz about the day and a tangible feeling of a community coming together to improve their neighbourhood. Well done WNC for getting this project off the ground.”

‘The whole area was looking rather tired and unloved’

Tracie Larkins has been the chair of the Kings Heath Residents Association committee since January and has lived in the area for 27 years.

“The community on Kings Heath has been neglected for many years,” she told the Chronicle & Echo. “There’s been no investment here and the whole area was looking rather tired and unloved. I’ve got children who live here. I want them to live in an area they feel proud of, and in a community that feels safe.”

Tracie explained that volunteer numbers were increasing even before this project, with a growing understanding of the difference that small changes make to the area.

“Seeing these changes gives them pride again,” said Tracie. “Park Square is central to the estate and a place where a lot of residents go to the chemist, shops or takeaway. It’s our central hub. It looked old and tired, which it was, and needed some life injecting back into it.”

Tracie praised the outcome of the community action days and was pleased to be a part of the improvements made, particularly with more events planned for the Kings Heath area moving forward.

She looks forward to hosting an Easter event this Saturday (April 4) from 1pm, when business stallholders and food vans will gather. There will be a raffle, tombola, Easter egg hunt, face painting and games for the community to enjoy.