Nostalgic residents are calling for a “utopian” green space in Birmingham to shine in its old splendor.
Soho Hill’s Richmond Garden – once a haven for residents to escape chaotic city life – was created in the 1980s by the now-defunct Alliance Residents Association.
Students from the local school were involved in the design of the mosaic elements of the garden and helped with the planting on the grounds of the Birmingham City Council.
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But in recent years the overgrown sanctuary has been closed to the public.
There was talk of the Ruskin Mill Trust bringing the site back to life in 2015, but plans quickly fell by the wayside.
At the time, the foundation said the garden would become a valuable outdoor teaching space, as well as an opportunity for students to learn about growing food and eating healthy.
Unfortunately, it never turned out to be anything.
Community activist Dee Manning said, “A local community partner was in talks two years ago to renovate and open the garden, but I think that partnership never happened.
“Architects went in and surveyed parts of the site that are in a very dangerous condition. There is still a lot to be done before it can be opened to the public.”
Birmingham-based Lakhbir Singh wrote on Facebook: “I was actually in this garden many years ago – it was a utopian world.
“Amazing little getaway. I hope they bring it back to its former glory.”
Local resident Glenda Belle Rose added, “I remember this years ago. Green spaces are so valuable in urban centers.”
Another wrote: “I remember when it was first built. Too bad it’s all overgrown and unloved now.”
Soho Road BID told BirminghamLive that it had had numerous discussions with the council over the years to restore the site.
BID manager Bob Balu said: “Unfortunately, the garden has been fallow for many years.
“We had talks with the Council, but we haven’t got very far because we would need funding.
“We need help from the council and other avenues, as I estimate the restoration would cost £ 15,000 to £ 20,000.
“There is still a lot of work to be done there. But we would like to take care of it when it is finished. “
A council spokesman said: “Richmond Garden in Handsworth is a council owned green space.
“This is in a nature reserve and discussions are ongoing between the agency and Soho Road BID to rent the property to them in order to make this garden open to the public again.”
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