Local school celebrates instalment of new playground

Balsall Common Primary School saw a great deal of commotion as their new Balsall Common Castle playground was opened, and they invited along special guests, including the Deputy Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Ken Meeson, Ward Cllr Heather Delaney, Parish Cllr Liz MacDonald, Central Schools Trust CEO, Graeme Burgess, Headteacher Mark Mitchell, PTA, Chair, Liam Harper and Katherine Davies, from Balfour Beatty VINCI -  HS2’s construction partner in the Midlands, Nick Cuming, Marc Curran,  Andy De bell, Phil Hamer, Kevin O’Rourke, Sam Eakins, Adam Griffiths as well as their School Council.

Fundraising began over 4 years ago, the existing Adventure Playground, installed by a previous PTA, had been lovingly kept for over 30 years but had got to the point where it was no longer viable to repair.

The cost of uninstalling the old equipment, and specialist removal and disposal of the existing rubber mulch, then adding new play-bark, was a daunting figure that would have cost the school around £40,000.

Thanks to Nick and his team at Balfour Beatty VINCI, working on behalf of HS2, this was one cost the school didn’t need to worry about as they gave up their time and specialist knowledge to do the work and provide resources for free.

That just left the cost of the new equipment, and this is where once again the fantastic Balsall Common PTA stepped up their fundraising to enable the school to buy the amazing Castle.

Nick Cuming, Senior Stakeholder and Communications manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI, added: “As we help to build Britain’s new high speed railway in the Midlands, we want to work with communities and leave a positive legacy across the route.

“This was a brilliant project to work on, bringing together a team of BBV and HS2 volunteers across a number of different areas. It’s great to go back and visit the school and see for ourselves how the pupils are already enjoying their new space.

“Acorn Landscape Management Group and Flannery Plant Hire from our supply chain deserve a special mention for their support with this project too. These Midlands-based companies also played a key role in helping to deliver this wonderful new playground."

Mark Mitchell, Balsall Common Headteacher said: “This new castle will enable us to deliver even more play and learning opportunities for the children at our school. It has been wonderful to see how the whole community has pulled together to make this vision a reality. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to such a fabulous resource.”   

Howard Rose BEM, said: “What an absolutely fantastic day, it is great to see this project come together after so many years. A huge thanks must go to the PTA, Nick Cuming, and all his team, plus the dignitaries that attended today, hopefully the castle will last at least another 30 years.”

Pictured (L- R): Mark Mitchell Balsall Common Headteacher, Graeme Burgess CEO of the Trust, Andy De Bell, BBV, Chipie, Dept Mayor Cllr Ken Meeson, Liam Harper and Nick Cuming with School Councillors