Eight new family homes have been built on a vacant brownfield site in West Bromwich.
Working on behalf of Sandwell Council, Seddon has built eight new two-, three- and four-bedroom council homes at St Vincent Crescent in West Bromwich that received grant funding from Homes England.
The site had previously been a small parade of shops, which was demolished 10 years ago. The vacant site provided a great opportunity to build new homes, promote greater social mobility, and significantly improve the life chances for existing residents and for future generations. Work is due to complete in May.
Designed with a fabric-first approach, the homes are futureproofed with greater predictability of ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said:
“The works undertaken at St Vincent Crescent demonstrate the council’s commitment to providing good quality, sustainable affordable housing in our communities.
“I’m excited to see the first families move into their new homes and wish them the very best.”
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, added:
“Making the most of the site has been incredibly important, and we can now see how major an impact this regeneration work will have for the community and for years to come.”
The site for the new homes was near Harvills Hawthorn Primary School, allowing the site team to work with administrators and teachers to better organise deliveries and prevent disruption to the teaching experience.
The new homes were constructed during the recent building regulations changes and Seddon’s designs comply with the new requirements of Part L and Part O plus Future Homes Standards.
Photo Voltaic (PV) panels have been installed in all the homes to bring residents’ bills down, while also helping Sandwell Council meet its carbon-neutral ambitions. Each of the homes also has its own EV charger allowing residents to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Tony Clark, Regional Director at Seddon, added:
“Brownfield sites like this one can present a logistical challenge, particularly when working within an existing neighbourhood, but the benefits are plain for everyone to see.
“Sandwell Council has been a great partner for us, with their firm commitment to providing sustainable and energy efficient homes that minimise fuel costs for residents. This site has been completely transformed and we’re excited to see the new residents move in and make the place their own.”
Planned social value activity on this project includes extending and improving a footpath and an old existing car park area for a nursery building, within the local school grounds.
Seddon are due to agree dates for the works to take place, which will enhance the access and egress to the nursery building for pupils, parents and teachers.