Birmingham’s Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is set to receive a major overhaul under a new pledge by Conservative councillors aiming to regain control of the city council after 14 years. The Conservatives have teamed up with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council to restore the park to its former glory ahead of the town’s 500th anniversary in 2028.
Describing the park as “dying” due to years of neglect and insufficient funding under the current Labour administration, the Conservatives have unveiled a four-point plan. Central to their strategy is creating an independent charitable trust to manage Sutton Park, attracting inward investment and improving maintenance across its 2,400 acres of meadows, heathlands, and woodlands.
They also promise to scrap the controversial parking charges introduced by Labour, which have faced strong opposition from local residents. Instead, the park will become a vibrant community hub hosting major events such as Last Night of the Proms-style concerts, food festivals, and national sporting occasions.
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Conservative leader on Birmingham City Council, Coun Robert Alden, emphasized the park’s historic importance, stating, “Sutton Park has belonged to our community for nearly 500 years, yet it has been allowed to decline under Labour’s watch. If elected, we will restore the park, eliminate parking fees, and transform it into a premier destination for families and visitors.”
Sutton town council leader, Coun Simon Ward, echoed the call for revitalization, highlighting the council’s previous efforts to establish a trust, which were blocked by the Labour-led city council. The Conservatives’ renewed commitment aims to leverage partnership and community ownership to secure the park’s future.
Labour representatives have criticized the proposed trust, warning it risks undermining the park’s carefully managed status, overseen by national heritage bodies to maintain its designations as a National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Labour cabinet members have defended the parking charges as necessary to fund essential maintenance and have sought public consultation on their implementation.
As Birmingham approaches the 2026 local elections, Sutton Park’s future has become a focal point in the contest between Conservative promises of restoration and Labour’s stewardship of the city’s green spaces.