William Walter Hinde For Open Space
Charity 522893
Overview
Summary
William Walter Hinde For Open Space appears to be a narrowly focused civic asset-holder whose role is to preserve or provide open space for public recreation. Its stated purpose links physical space, healthful recreation and amateur sport, suggesting that its contribution is primarily infrastructural: enabling public activity rather than delivering a broad range of direct services. The available evidence indicates a public-facing mission, but leaves unclear the scale, location, condition and actual use of the space.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Longbridge and West Heath
Confidence: medium
The available evidence reasonably links the trust to Cofton Park, an open space associated with William Walter Hinde's estate. However, the trust's current annual report does not name individual sites, so the current legal and operational connection between this specific charity and Cofton Park is not explicitly stated.
- William Walter Hinde for Open Space, Report and Financial Statements, year ended 31 March 2025
The charity states that it provides public spaces for amateur sport and healthful recreation; these spaces are managed by Birmingham City Council on the charity's behalf and are accessible to the general public. - Birmingham City Council, Cofton Park directory record
The Council states that Cofton Park land was bought in 1933 from trustees representing William Walter Hinde, whose estate was left for land to be kept permanently as open space for Birmingham people.
Remaining uncertainties
- The 2025 trustees' report refers to multiple public spaces but does not identify them, so it is not possible to establish whether Cofton Park is the trust's only current operational site or whether other Birmingham sites are also supported.
- The charity's reported correspondence address at Birmingham City Council should not be treated as an operational site.
- The available sources show Birmingham City Council as corporate trustee and manager of the spaces, but do not evidence separate delivery partnerships extending the trust's footprint.
- A current site boundary or asset schedule would be needed to determine whether the trust's land or activity also extends into other areas.
Additional evidence needed
- A current trust asset register, land title record or Birmingham City Council parks schedule naming the open spaces held or maintained for William Walter Hinde for Open Space.
- The 1928 trust deed and any subsequent conveyances, variations or Charity Commission scheme documents identifying the land covered by the trust.
- Current Birmingham City Council site-management records confirming operational responsibility for each trust-funded open space.
Areas of work
- Amateur Sport
Who they help
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A place-based enabling role
The organisation appears to create public benefit mainly by making space available, rather than through programmes or targeted support. Its operating model may therefore depend on stewardship, access and maintenance of a physical asset.
Why it matters
This distinguishes it from activity providers: its potential civic value may lie in supporting many informal users, groups and sporting activities that are not themselves visible in the charity's description.
Show evidence
“OPEN SPACE”
Source:Charity Commission“Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space”
Source:Charity Commission
Recreation is framed as a public-health benefit
The organisation appears to treat open space not simply as land or amenity, but as a setting for healthful recreation. Amateur sport may be one expression of this wider recreational purpose.
Why it matters
This suggests possible relevance to local health, wellbeing, leisure and community-connection agendas, even if the organisation does not describe itself as a health charity.
Show evidence
“The provision of public spaces for healthful recreation”
Source:Charity Commission“Amateur Sport”
Source:Charity Commission
Its universal remit may mask uneven access
By identifying the general public as its beneficiary group, the organisation appears intended to serve broadly rather than a defined population. However, the evidence does not show who can realistically use the space or whether any communities face barriers to access.
Why it matters
A universal public-benefit claim is important, but understanding actual access would reveal whether the asset strengthens inclusion or mainly benefits those already able to use it.
Show evidence
“The General Public/mankind”
Source:Charity Commission“The provision of public spaces for healthful recreation”
Source:Charity Commission
- The location, size, ownership status and condition of the open space are unknown.
- It is unclear whether the organisation directly manages the space, funds it, or holds it in trust.
- There is no evidence about users, partnerships, accessibility, events or environmental stewardship.
Remaining uncertainties
- Details of the site or sites, including public access arrangements, facilities and management responsibilities.
- Annual reports, accounts or trustee reports showing expenditure, maintenance activity, partnerships and use of the space.
- Evidence of who uses the space and whether local groups, sports clubs or underserved communities can access it.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
The provision of public spaces for healthful recreation
Charity objects
OPEN SPACE