Work has started on the development of 44 new affordable council homes in Heath Town.
City of Wolverhampton Council has contracted energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE to build a mixture of properties on land off Burton Crescent and derelict land adjacent to St Stephen’s Church.
All the homes will be available for affordable rent.
The development programme is expected to last around 15 months and when completed will be managed by Springfield Horseshoe Housing Management Co-operative.
Councillor Peter Bilson, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “It is great news for the City of Wolverhampton to see work underway on what was a redundant site, as we aim to meet increasing housing demand.
“The funding for the development of these homes will come from the council’s Housing Revenue Account. Grant Funding has also been secured from Homes England to help towards the cost of construction.
“One of our key priorities is to increase the number of decent, high quality energy efficient affordable homes available in the city. The tenants in these properties will definitely benefit from that, access to local amenities and a garden space.
“To mitigate for the loss of the former football playing fields off Burton Crescent, the nearby open space at Grosvenor Street in Heath Town will be improved and a 7 x 7 sports pitch (60yd x 40yd) will be provided. This is in addition to an upgrade to a neighbouring play facility at Burton Crescent that has taken place in recent years.”
Paul Clarke, Regional Director at ENGIE’s Places and Communities division, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the start of construction of these much-needed new homes with our partners and look forward to turning their exciting vision into reality.
“This development will provide a significant boost to Wolverhampton by helping to meet the city’s housing needs, as well as create employment and training opportunities for local people.”
Samantha Wood, Housing Officer at Springfield Horseshoe Housing Management Co-operative, added: “We’re so privileged to be part of this development. We’re going to be managing 43 new homes for local families to live in and that’s an amazing thing to do. At the moment we’re a small team made up of great people, so it’s great for us to be expanding our work and to be part of something so positive for the local community.”
The development includes six one-bedroom flats, five one-bedroom bungalows, six two-bedroom bungalows, 16 two-bedroom houses, four four-bedroom houses and a supported housing unit of seven one-bedroom flats.
The project is part of the wider plans to regenerate the city and increase the number of decent and affordable homes in the City of Wolverhampton.