Revitalising Birmingham’s local community centres

That’s why the Birmingham City Council is using the WMCA integrated settlement funding devolved to the authority to help transform local centres into the community hubs that residents want to see. Over £1.6 million has been invested to strengthen the social and economic fabric of these spaces. 

The funding includes a Local Centre Development Programme, with £830,000 allocated across 20 projects to build sustainable community anchor organisations and delivery vehicles. These projects aim to empower residents, social enterprises, and local businesses to work together in delivering essential services and improving neighbourhood life. 

One of the organisations benefitting is Acocks Greener CIC, which is developing a new community hub in Acocks Green. 

“The goal is to create a vibrant local space that we are proud of, always welcoming and where people can come for advice and guidance in their daily issues, advertise local employment and training.”

Another part of the programme is the Place Infrastructure Fund which commits a further £850,000 to an additional 30 projects focused on revitalising public spaces and bringing underused assets back into productive use. This includes much needed improvements through a city-wide call for proposals, ensuring investment reaches the heart of Birmingham’s diverse local communities. 

For example, Northfield Community Partnership is leading efforts to transform the much-loved Frankley Library into a modern, multi-purpose community hub. 

“We were absolutely delighted to receive the news that our proposal had been awarded funding. Frankley Library has always been a valued part of the local community… The funding brings the opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to reimagine what a community library can be.” 

Collaboration is at the heart of this work. Northfield Community Partnership will be working closely with Balaam Wood School, the council’s Adult Social Care & Health services, and a wide range of community partners to deliver joined-up services. 

Another recipient, Saathi House, is transforming its space with a new commercial kitchen, and building partnerships with health services. This project will empower women, support healthy living, and bring our community closer together.

Angela Jeffrey, Executive Director of Saathi House said: 

“We are immensely grateful for the funding.It will enable us to develop a closer relationship with local GP surgeries and NHS partners as well as transform our back room into a commercial kitchen. This new facility will not only support women in launching their own food businesses but also provide a much-needed community space for workshops focused on cooking and eating healthy on a budget.” 

Together, these initiatives show Birmingham’s approach to local places,  putting community-led development at the centre of urban renewal. By investing in the spaces where people live, work, and connect, the programme is helping local centres become hubs for civic pride, inclusion, and long-term economic prosperity.