20-year project will involve up to 7,000 homes, with Birmingham City Council and St Joseph set to begin community engagement ahead of a 2026 planning submission

Ladywood

Source: Berkeley Group

The Ladywood Estate

St Joseph Homes, part of the Berkeley Group, has been appointed by Birmingham city council to deliver the long-awaited regeneration of the Ladywood Estate.

The 146-acre site in central Birmingham is set to be transformed over a 20-year period through phased redevelopment that seeks to improve some existing housing and deliver significant numbers of new homes. The estate redevelopment is expected to eventually see between 6,000 to 7,000 homes provided across the site.

Under the terms of the development agreement, at least 70% of homes currently on the estate are expected to be either refurbished or replaced with new homes. The scheme also includes a commitment to deliver at least 20% affordable homes.

Stephen Kirwan, managing director of St Joseph Homes, said: “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.“

Community engagement has already begun, with St Joseph and the council stating that early design work will be shaped by local residents. A Residents Steering Group and a Resident and Community Charter are also planned, forming part of the council’s Powered by People engagement approach.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “This is the beginning of the master planning process, and all residents will be given the opportunity to be fully involved.â€

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The estate dates from the 1960s and currently provides around 2,000 homes, many within tower blocks. 

Construction is not expected to begin before 2028, but the partnership seeks to deliver a masterplan by 2026. In addition to new and improved housing, the scheme is intended to deliver open spaces, play areas, community facilities and enhanced transport connections.

According to the council, the project has the potential to support 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs and create 1,000 apprenticeships. St Joseph will lead on the design and delivery of new homes and public realm, while the council will retain responsibility for resident services and housing provision.

Birmingham City Council has said it will seek to minimise demolition and avoid compulsory purchase of private homes wherever possible. 

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