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Seumas Kelly's stunning photographs of Dartmouth Park on a frosty January morning
More photographs on 'The Park' web page

Farley Fountain to be relocated to the perimeter
of Dartmouth Park

The Farley Fountain which is situated in West Bromwich town centre, in what used to be called Dartmouth Square, is to be dismantled for town centre improvements and will be relocated just outside Dartmouth Park. Before it reappears in its new position it will be given a face lift, as it's been sadly neglected for many years.

The fountain was given to the Borough by Alderman Reuben Farley in memory of his mother Elizabeth in 1885 and was originally situated in Dartmouth Square. It was moved into Dartmouth Park in the early 1900s near the Herbert Street entrance, and in the 1970s was moved to the Dagger Lane entrance to make way for the Expressway which cut a swathe through the park taking with it the tennis courts and putting green in its wake.

The Friends are looking forward to this new addition to the park's environs and the following images show its original locations in Dartmouth Square, Herbert Street and Dagger Lane, and its return to Dartmouth Square. The fountain which is probably never given a second look is quite elaborate in design.


A description of Dartmouth Park's Iconic new Pavilion by David Brown, Development Manager

From outside it looks like a big wooden box with a tower in the middle but actually its 4 separate buildings each with a sedum roof. Surrounded by a steel structure clad in oak the exterior is designed to soften with age and blend into the landscape to give the impression of a tree house.

The perimeter steel walkways that wrap around the interior are harsh and almost brutal to look at. These areas are exposed to the elements sun, wind, rain and snow but then the original concept is a hard exterior and soft inside.

The softer interior has a café at its heart that is warm and inviting; ready to offer a range of snacks and hospitality. It will also provide a serving point for the outside picnic areas and buffet in the events room.

Directly opposite is one of two office areas each housed in a separate building that includes toilets and shower area. Up the steps or around the ramp the next building is the public toilets. The last of the 4 buildings is the events/conference room. Located on an upper level to give views across the park down to the lakes. This room is both contemporary and stylish being equipped with conference facilities. The space is surprisingly large with separate utility kitchen, disabled toilet and storage areas. The glass doors along one side fold back to the surrounding walkway allowing summer visitors to walk on to the ramp and up to the viewing platform or back down to the café.

Lighting will continue down the path to the Sandwell Valley car park and around two sides of the building. This along with appropriate fencing will provide an enclosed area close to the building for picnics and toddlers play.

Once the initial shock of the exposure has been overcome the journey around the walkways is a delight. Each stage takes you higher with different views into the park. There is a picnic area on the roof of the café that allows views of the lake and children’s play area. It also provides a rest point for the onward journey up to the top of the tower. It is only here on the viewing platform that the extent of the design is finally shown. With panoramic views across Dartmouth Park at tree top level and views back to the interior of the structure the contemporary design becomes apparent.

What is clear is this is no ordinary park pavilion. The outer structure creaks and groans in the wind and rain. It is much thought provoking and inviting in equal measure. It’s a play tree house, a meeting place, café, toilets, and conference area all in one.

When put in the context of the extended play area the proposed water play and skate park it becomes a visitor destination in its own right and finally gives Dartmouth Park a central focal point.

The pavilion will be fully operational and open to the public in the Spring.





Contact Address: Carol Hartill, Secretary of the Friends of Dartmouth Park
c/o Reform Street Lodge, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich, B71 4AS
Tel: 0121 588 4747 / e-mail: carolh.fodp@btinternet.com
Tel 0121 525 5524 / e-mail: annette_welch@sky.com

Committee

Nigel Slater
Chairman
Roger Stopford
Vice Chairman
Annette Welch
Treasurer
Carol Hartill
Secretary
Mandy Timms
Membership Secretary
Mark Barrett
Social Historian
Betty Finney
Margaret Geddes
Pauline Lawley
Sue Slater
Anne Wilkins