Birmingham leaders share new particulars on Family Fun Center deliberate for Five Points West

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – City leaders are transferring ahead with plans for a brand new Family Fun Center in Birmingham’s Five Points West group, a undertaking neighborhood leaders say is lengthy overdue.

The city-owned facility will embody a skating rink, bowling alley, and meals court docket, together with different points of interest designed to serve households and youths on town’s west facet.

District 8 City Councilor Sonja Smith and Bellview Heights Neighborhood Association Vice President David Rivers mentioned they lately met with metropolis leaders to debate the undertaking’s progress. Officials anticipate to interrupt floor in about two months, with a proper groundbreaking deliberate for April. The middle is anticipated to open in late summer time 2027.

“I think it’s going to be, if we can get it off the ground, it’s going to be good,” Rivers mentioned.

Smith mentioned she has adopted the undertaking carefully and needs to see it accomplished.

“We’ve been watching it for a while. Super excited about it. Just really want to see it done,” Smith mentioned.

Both leaders mentioned the middle would fill a serious want in west Birmingham by offering a protected, trendy house for recreation.

“It’s a big need for the western side of town because recreation centers have a lot of problems with them, with the pools and upkeep,” Rivers mentioned. “It’s a great place for our youth and teens, and adults to have a place for them to go and be entertained in a good environment for the community.”

Smith mentioned the undertaking may additionally spur financial progress within the space. She pointed to close by developments such because the Birmingham CrossPlex and new eating places as indicators of momentum.

“Economically, it will be great,” Smith mentioned. “You have the CrossPlex, the Family Fun Center, Starbucks, and all these restaurants that are coming into the area. I think it will help show other business owners that this is a place they can come and earn money and see themselves grow and plant roots here. It really serves as a great anchor for what’s to come.”

Rivers mentioned he left his most up-to-date assembly with metropolis leaders feeling inspired, however desires to see tangible progress.

“I felt good about the meeting, but I’m the type of person, I need to see action,” Rivers mentioned. “To see the actual project come to fruition. I told the mayor I didn’t have any more questions. I just need to start seeing the progress.”

In a press release, Mayor Randall Woodfin’s workplace mentioned town has already allotted funds for the undertaking.

“The city allocated funds for this project, which are being utilized. We have been in contact with neighborhood stakeholders about the status of the project and look forward to a public update upon completion of design revisions, which will determine the final cost.”

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