£2.2bn Ladywood regeneration moves ahead with development agreement
The £2.2bn transformation of Birmingham’s Ladywood Estate has taken a major step forward as St Joseph, part of the Berkeley Group, officially signed a development agreement with Birmingham City Council.
Spanning over 146 acres, the long-term regeneration project will unfold over more than 20 years, and will offer 7,000 homes, two public parks, 14 hectares of green space, new schools, community facilities and improved transport links.
A minimum of 70% of existing homes will either be refurbished or replaced in a single move, helping residents stay within their community. At least 20% of the new homes will be affordable, with housing available across a range of tenures.
The scheme is also expected to deliver 1,000 apprenticeships and 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
The next stage of the project is to work with the community on the wider masterplan, with a series of community information sessions to take place in June.
Work is not due to start on site until at least 2028.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills and deputy Mayor of West Midlands said: “I want to reassure the community that this is the beginning of the master planning process, and all residents will be given the opportunity to be fully involved.
“The investment being made is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the regeneration of the Ladywood Estate to make it more sustainable, provide better facilities, better transport links, walking routes, and green spaces.
“As well as the refurbishment or re-provision of at least 70% of the existing homes on the estate, significant new homes will be built and at least 20% of these will be affordable homes. All Council homes on the estate will either be re-provided or refurbished.
“We will seek to minimise the demolition of homes and deliver the benefits of estate regeneration.
“The partnership agreement has been agreed later than planned to ensure we have secured the best deal for Ladywood and the City.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands said: “Too many families are dealing with long waiting lists, and have no choice but to live in unsuitable, overcrowded and poorly regulated accommodation – that is why tackling our housing crisis is one of my key priorities.
“This regeneration scheme, in the heart of Birmingham, will not only deliver hundreds of new homes, but also see the existing council housing stock renewed and replaced giving local people a safe and warm place to call home.”
Stephen Kirwan, managing director of St Joseph Homes said: “Our St Joseph team is hugely proud and excited to be given this opportunity to work on the regeneration of the Ladywood Estate in consultation with the local community and council. Now we have been appointed, our first priority is to begin to meet local people and to listen carefully to their concerns and aspirations for the future of their neighbourhood. This engagement process will help us to shape a masterplan that the community is proud of, and that will benefit local people for generations to come.
“At Berkeley Group we fully support the Government’s mission to increase housing delivery across the country and this hugely important regeneration project reflects our commitment to delivering good green homes where they are needed most.”
