Demolition work in full swing on regen scheme

DEMOLITION and enabling works have begun on a multi-million pound project to revamp parts of north Solihull by Birmingham-based Armoury Group.

The ‘Regenerating North Solihull’ project is set to help over 40,000 people living in Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Kingshurst and Fordbridge by providing new community facilities and housing.

The 15-year regeneration plan for the area was devised through a partnership between Whitefriars Housing Group and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, which awarded demolition company Armoury the three-year agreement for mass housing clearance.

Up to 40 tower blocks from across the area, ranging from three to 16 storeys, have been earmarked for demolition, with Armoury having already having cleared in excess of 300 residences to make way for new social housing.

Regenerating North Solihull will see 8,000 new homes, 10 new primary schools and five new village centres created alongside new health and recreational facilities, and improved transport networks.

Managing director Tony McLean said: “The schedule for work across the area of regeneration is extremely tight. Armoury has been commencing demolition almost immediately after the properties are vacated, with the developer then beginning building works on that site as soon as it is clear.

“We have also had to conduct specialist asbestos removal and a soft-strip before each demolition has taken place, and have been very conscious not to disrupt the surrounding community by protecting buildings with fencing and scaffolding, closing footpaths when and where required, and putting an extensive traffic management system put into place.”

Armoury also recently completed the demolition of the Worcester House and Nuffield House towers on behalf of The North Solihull Partnership to make way for a new shopping centre.