Investment to fuel delivery of Digbeth residential tower

A multi-million-pound investment will be made in a Digbeth residential tower scheme, as part of a drive to build more social housing.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), chaired by Mayor Richard Parker, has agreed in principle to back Clarion Housing Group’s development on Clyde Street.

The development from the UK’s largest affordable housing provider secured planning permission in March this year. When complete, it will comprise 481 apartments across two interlinked buildings of 10 and 34-storeys, on the former Safestore industrial land.

Spearheaded by Latimer, a subsidiary of Clarion, the developer has designated 55% of the homes as affordable housing through a grant from Homes England. It had earmarked 141 apartments for social rent and 127 for shared ownership.

The WMCA’s approval in principle will now trigger negotiations with Latimer to agree to a final investment deal.

As well as hundreds of affordable new homes the scheme, on the 1.3-acre site of a derelict storage facility, would also include five commercial units and a pocket park featuring dozens of trees.

All of the properties would be powered by solar panels and heat pumps, helping to reduce energy bills for residents.

The Mayor said: “This scheme will deliver over 140 social homes, the first step in delivering my manifesto pledge of thousands of social homes across the West Midlands. For too long, investment in social housing has been neglected, leaving people without the safe, affordable homes they deserve.

“I’m determined to change that. Rebuilding our social housing stock not only provides homes for those who need them most but also creates jobs and drives economic growth in our region.”