Birmingham Moves Forward with Family Fun Center in West End
Birmingham, Ala. – The City of Birmingham is taking significant strides toward the development of a much-anticipated family fun center in the West End community. During a city council meeting on Tuesday, October 8, officials approved an ordinance that designates the Public Athletic, Cultural and Entertainment Facilities (PACE) board as the fiscal agent for the construction of the center, which is expected to cost approximately $15 million.
With this approval in place, city leaders are optimistic, indicating that a groundbreaking ceremony is likely to occur within the next 30 days. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact on the community. “This is a great day for the families of Birmingham,” he remarked. “No longer will residents have to look outside our city for a safe, fun place to enjoy with loved ones. This center will not only bring new revenue to the area, but also a new, exciting energy that will invigorate the community and beyond.”
Details of the Family Fun Center
The planned facility will encompass 20,000 square feet and will include a variety of attractions designed to cater to families and individuals of all ages. Features are set to include a skating rink, a jump park, an e-sports center, a bowling alley, and several dining options within a food court.
Additionally, the PACE board, a five-member entity, will handle the funding aspects of the project while overseeing the hiring of contractors and vendors. This arrangement is similar to past agreements held by the city for the construction of other notable projects, including the Regions Ballpark and Rickwood Field.
Community Impact
As the project progresses, city officials are optimistic about the positive implications it will have for the West End area. Cornell Wesley, the director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, shared his reflections regarding the project. “I think about two words: relief and excitement,” he said. “Relief in that it has been two years in the making, and excitement for the community and Birminghamians at large and what this will yield, not only for the west side of Birmingham, but for the city itself.”
Wesley elaborated on the process moving forward, stating, “We will walk hand in glove with our PACE board to identify our general contractor. Once the contractor has been identified, it will be an 18-month build.” This timeline indicates that residents may be able to enjoy the new center by early 2025.
A Community Celebration Ahead
Residents are looking forward to celebrating this milestone at the groundbreaking ceremony. The anticipation is not just about the center itself; it represents a broader commitment to enhancing community amenities and providing engaging activities for families in the city.
As Birmingham prepares for this new development, residents can expect a shift in the local leisure landscape. Community leaders hope that the family fun center will be a catalyst for growth, drawing families to the area and potentially inspiring further investments in community projects. In the coming months, as preparations get underway, residents will surely be keeping an eye on the developments and eagerly awaiting updates on the construction of their new leisure destination.
