Mayor backs plans for new social housing as Digbeth’s renaissance continues

Plans for hundreds of affordable new homes in Birmingham’s fast changing Digbeth area are being backed by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker 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 per cent 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: “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.

Pictured: A CGI of how the scheme would look