The Pump, Kitts Green, Birmingham
The Pump is the realisation of a vision of HRH The Prince of Wales, who wanted to create an outstanding building which would not only act as a focus and inspiration for the personal development of young people, but would also be designed and built by young people.
Over the last 8 years, partners led by Birmingham City Council have been working to raise the funds required and find the site that would enable young people living in South East of Birmingham to design and build their own Centre.
During this time, a series of consultations and “Enquiry by Design” sessions led by architects from the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment took place, along with work with pupils from the International School who helped determine the look and content of the Centre. Final designs were then produced by Architype architects.
Having identified funding of some £3.8 million and secured a former petrol filling station next to Lea Village shops in Kitts Green Road, Thomas Vale Construction started work on site in 2005.
The young trainees - who are supported throughout their training programme and into future employment by Birmingham City Council, working in partnership with South Birmingham College, Connexions and the Construction Employment Alliance, began work on the site in January 2006.
Working for trade specific sub-contractors, overseen by, the main contractor, Thomas Vale Construction, each trainee was on site for 4 weeks, giving them the chance to pick up some of the life skills needed to work in construction and they showed a great deal of enthusiasm for the project.
After their initial individual placements, starting in April 2006, the trainees worked together to fit out the first and second floors. This 3 month piece of work was co-ordinated by tutors from South Birmingham College, and generated a significant cost saving for the project.
The Pump was opened by The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in September 2006 and now forms the hub of youth work in the area and enables community access to a variety of services including education, skills training, careers advice and information, health advice and support services along with a range of leisure services including a recording studio, performance space and dance studio facilities, cybercafé and crèche.
Posted 28th March 2008
