Bells Farm, a much-loved historic community venue in Druids Heath, has benefitted from essential improvement works thanks to shared efforts between The Spearhead Trust, Birmingham City Council and Lovell - the developer for regeneration across the area.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms for visitors to Bells Farm. Beyond tea and coffee, it hosts weekly activities and is often used as a meeting space. It was therefore a priority to make the room safe once cracks in the ceiling started to worsen, leading to falling plaster which exposed the beams behind.
Anne Marie, Team Manager at The Spearhead Trust, was aware Lovell had already started building affordable homes in Druids Heath ahead of the wider estate regeneration. Encouraged by their involvement in the community, she got in contact with Kelly, Lovell's Regional Social Value Manager, to see if they could offer support.
“Once Anne Marie had explained the situation, it was a case of acting quickly to make the area safe. While much of our social value work is planned, Lovell will always do the right thing and respond to local priorities, so it was important that our involvement didn’t just end there.”
Kelly Truman, Regional Social Value & Training Manager for Lovell
Once Lovell’s team assessed the damage and prevented any further material from falling, they needed to understand the wider condition of the room before repairs could take place. This included undertaking asbestos surveys and reviewing previous repair records.
The improvement works then became a genuine team effort involving several local subcontractors, who worked together to restore the space. Over several days and through a rare UK heatwave, the team began safely isolating electrics and removing emergency lighting so that they could board over the original surface.
Once complete, the ceiling was reskimmed with plaster for a fresh and clean finish.
“Thank you to Lovell and the efforts of their team, who have shown great cooperation and a willingness to support from the moment we reached out. We are sure it is the start of a lasting relationship with The Spearhead Trust and Bells Farm.”
Anne Marie, Team Manager at the Spearhead Trust
The initiative highlights how regeneration can have an immediate positive impact. Together, Lovell and Birmingham City Council will continue to seek opportunities to support local groups and residents across the estate.