New images have been released of how Perry Park and areas around the Alexander Stadium including Walsall Road Allotments will look both during and after the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Take the full post to read this great example of how Community can connect and can influence decision making. Great to see the Council listening to Community.

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Robert the Cat "gets the cream" at Walsall Road Allotments, Birmingham


Robert the Cat


New images have been released of how Perry Park and areas around the Alexander Stadium including Walsall Road Allotments will look both during and after the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Take the full post to read this great example of how Community can connect and can influence decision making. Great to see the Council listening to Community.


Following a well-run campaign led by Betty Farruggia, site manager at the Walsall Road Allotments, Birmingham City Council has announced that the allotments will play a key part in the legacy of Perry Park as a result of holding the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The decision has been taken that relocation of the Allotments will not be necessary, much to the delight of one of the Allotments residents, Robert the cat.

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In fact, the focus is on protecting the heritage of the allotments and it will form part of a public space that promotes and supports wellbeing and leisure in and across Birmingham.  

Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, said:

 "I'm delighted to reassure Robert the cat and his friends that the Walsall Road Allotments will be protected.

"The residents, businesses and community groups of Perry Barr should be at the very heart of Birmingham 2022 and we want to ensure that they feel the benefits of the Commonwealth Games.

“So, before making any final decisions about the wider Alexander Stadium site, we’ve spent a number of weeks listening to the plotholders and other interested parties about the current and future use of the allotments and the surrounding area.

"They are clearly passionately committed to Walsall Road allotments and that's the type of community spirit that we'd like to see replicated right across the city in 2022 and beyond."

Betty Farruggia, Site Manager of the Walsall Road Allotments said:

“I am elated to hear that the allotment site will be retained.

“We will work closely with the council in the months and years ahead to facilitate the smooth running of the Games and further develop the strong feeling of community that we have here and in the wider area.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support and the council who have listened to our comments and concerns.”

The Masterplan for the Games and for how Alexander Stadium fits into the plan for redefining green space in Perry Barr will be put to the City Council’s Cabinet later in the year. Early ideas and thoughts, however, including a naturescape, promenade and running trails.

Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, has added:

“Engaging local communities and improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens, as well as attracting multi-million-pound investment and improvements in housing, transport infrastructure, and community facilities, are key drivers to us hosting the Commonwealth Games and shaping the legacy beyond.

“We are very excited by these early plans and drawings showing us what could be possible to make this area one that is focused on not just a sport but also wellbeing and health living. It truly will be a destination venue that I hope the citizens of Perry Barr will be benefit from and be proud of for many years to come.”

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