Historic Midlands landmark set to reopen following essential building work

The Ward End Park House, a major Midlands landmark that has been out of use for close to 10 years, is set to open after Acivico Group completed essential building and mechanical work.

Situated in the 54-acre green space of Ward End Park in Birmingham, the Grade II-listed two-storey building dates back to 1759 and was once a thriving centre for the local community but had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.

The site is now on the road to once again becoming a valuable community asset with discussions now starting around the future upkeep of the building, with local organisations keen to advocate for its preservation, recognising its historical and cultural value.

The primary objectives for Acivco were to make the building watertight and restore its heating system, ensuring the structure could be preserved and brought back into use by improving the air quality and overall comfort of the inside.

Ward End Park House had been without a functional heating system for more than ten years, leading to severe damp and deterioration inside the building.

Additionally, broken windows throughout the building have been replaced to help enhance both security and insulation.

The building work will now provide a strong foundation for long-term preservation and continued enhancement in the future.

Acivico has now also spearheaded a decarbonisation feasibility study, collaborating with experts to explore ways to lower the building’s carbon footprint while maintaining its heritage integrity.

After extensive discussions with conservation officers, proposals for solar panels and an air source heat pump are now under consideration, which provides a significant step toward making the historic site sustainable. 

Marina Robertson, group managing director at Acivico Group, said: “The distinctive Ward End Park House holds significant importance to the local community with its idyllic location in the heart of a popular park, so deserves to be correctly maintained so that all residents and visitors can be proud of the building’s appearance once again.

“The vital work by Acivico will help to preserve the historic legacy of the building, while at the same time creating a bright and sustainable future.”

The work is part of Birmingham City Council’s Ward End Lakeside renewal project, which is aiming to bring improvements to the park, including access around the park and links to neighbouring communities.