Site surveys have started this week at King George V Memorial Playing Fields in Bloxwich, marking a key milestone in the park’s £25 million transformation under the Bloxwich Town Deal.
Specialist teams will carry out ground investigations across several areas of the park by drilling into the soil, collecting data essential for the construction phase, which is due to begin in November 2025. The works will provide critical information on ground conditions, such as soil strength, and allow for gas and groundwater monitoring. This will help engineers determine appropriate materials and foundation requirements ahead of redevelopment.
The project forms part of a broader regeneration scheme funded through the Government’s Towns Fund, which is supporting upgrades to three parks across Bloxwich.
Plans for King George V Playing Fields include the construction of a new single-storey pavilion featuring changing rooms, showers, toilets, a café, and flexible events space. These will serve a range of new sports and leisure facilities, including tennis, netball, and basketball courts, as well as new multi-use games areas.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, welcomed the start of works:
“This work has been in the planning stages for a long time, and I know the people of Bloxwich are eager to see progress. It’s great that we are starting to see work on-site now and I hope the results of the investigations are positive and we can start getting spades in the ground towards the end of the year as planned.
“The improvements that we have planned for King George V will really make it a destination of choice and will be a real jewel in the crown for Bloxwich.”
Alongside the pavilion and new courts, the redevelopment will include landscaping improvements, such as upgraded paths and extensive tree and bulb planting. A new bookable 3G astro turf football pitch will also be installed, providing an additional income stream to support the park’s long-term upkeep.
While the site surveys are essential to ensure the success of the project, they are expected to cause some short-term disruption. Certain areas of the park will be temporarily closed off while the investigative works are carried out.
Construction is on track to begin later this year, subject to the results of the site assessments.