Plans for hundreds of affordable new homes in Birmingham's fast
changing Digbeth area are being backed by West Midlands Mayor
as part of his drive to
build more social housing across the region.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is chaired by
the Mayor, has agreed in principle to make a multi-million-pound
investment into plans for a new residential tower at the top end
of Digbeth High Street near Camp Hill.
The scheme features 481 apartments with 55% of these classed as
affordable including 141 for social rent.
The scheme, earmarked for derelict land off Clyde Street, has
been brought forward by Latimer, the development arm of Clarion
Housing Group, the UK's largest affordable housing provider.
The decision comes after the Mayor launched his ‘Homes for
Everyone' priority in September which focuses on driving a major
increase in the construction of social and affordable homes and
the creation of vibrant new communities.
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.”
The WMCA's approval in principle will now trigger detailed
negotiations with Latimer to agree a final investment deal.
Once finalised, the investment would be the latest to be made by
the WMCA as part of its brownfield regeneration programme which
transforms derelict and other urban plots for new homes, jobs and
commercial spaces, helping to drive economic growth across the
region.
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.
Clarion is a Homes England Strategic Partner, with grant
allocation and partnership engagement committed to delivering
much needed affordable housing, such as in Digbeth, through the
Affordable Homes Programme.
The residential tower would be one of several planned or under
construction in Digbeth that are set to transform the city's
skyline.
Once a gritty industrial district, Digbeth has been the focus of
widespread regeneration and investment over recent years driven
in part by the nearby location of the HS2 Curzon Street Station
and the success of the Custard Factory, a creative hub with
shops, cafes, bars, and studios.
The WMCA has already invested millions of pounds into Digbeth
laying tracks for a future Midland Metro tram extension linking
the neighbourhood to the HS2 station, other parts of the city
centre and beyond.
And more recently Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight opened his
Digbeth Loc. Studios with the support of the WMCA.
Nearby, the BBC is converting a derelict, 100-year-old building
into its new Tea Factory broadcasting centre.
The investments are expected to further mobilise the region's
£4bn creative economy, offering a flagship focal point to draw
and inspire both local and international screen-industries and
other creative talent.
At the Bullring end of Digbeth, Birmingham City Council's
Smithfield Masterplan will transform 14 hectares of land. Earlier
this year planning permission was given to developers Lendlease
to build more than 3,000 homes, offices and shops as part of the
masterplan.
