Families in Chelmsley Wood are being invited to enjoy a new community garden after an unused area at Riverside Family Hub was transformed into a vibrant outdoor space.

The new garden, located at the Best Start Family Hub, has been created thanks to a £49,828 grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund and offers a range of spaces designed for children, young people, parents and carers.

Featuring sensory and creative play areas alongside a dedicated relaxation space for adults, the garden aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment where families can spend time together outdoors.

The project received support from local organisations Super SEN CIC and ReImagine Me CIC, which provided letters backing the funding application.

Community engagement also played a key role in the design, with 151 local young people, parents and carers helping to shape the final plans through a public vote.

Cllr Karen Grinsell, leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), described the garden as a "brilliant upgrade" to the hub.

She said: "The garden is a brilliant upgrade to the Hub.

"It's a fully secure outdoor space which gives local families the option between spending time with their little ones either inside in the warm or outside in the cool open-air.

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"I'm delighted that the garden is now completed and ready for children, young people, parents and carers to enjoy for many years to come."

Natalie Cunningham, community fund manager at Severn Trent, said the project demonstrated the positive impact community funding can have.

She said: "We're very pleased to have supported the creation of such a wonderful garden.

"The garden is beneficial in many ways, from supporting early development through outdoor play to protecting plants and wildlife, so it's great to see a valuable resource like this come to life from start to end."

The garden was designed by SMBC's CLAUDE team and built by Warwickshire-based contractor Haystoun.

Funding support was identified through the council's Your Future Chelmsley Wood programme, which focuses on improving residents' health, wellbeing and local environments.