Affordable homes planned for eyesore former scrapyard

An £11.5 million redevelopment scheme to transform an eyesore former scrap yard on one of the major routes into Walsall into much needed affordable homes has now started on site.

Long term investor and landlord whg has completed on the site purchase and signed a building contract with its developer partner Village Partnerships Ltd for the construction of 71 apartments at vacant land off Wolverhampton Road.

The project has come to fruition through the partnership’s close collaboration with land promoter SquareSpace Ventures Ltd, Walsall Council, consultant RPS and Homes England.

The one and two bed apartments will be split into three blocks over two to four storeys and will be available for affordable rent.

Rebecca Bennett Casserly, Corporate Director of Development, said: “The purchase of this site represents a significant step forward for this part of Walsall. The change of former commercial use means eyesore land, which has laid dormant and empty for many years, can be used for residential. Our partnership with Village Partnerships will deliver high quality, new build homes with parking onsite. We are delighted to see the development of this new place to live finally underway.

“We are committed to bringing long derelict sites back to life as we look to increase the supply of homes for local people in need of affordable housing. This scheme will complement the nearby 88 home development on the former Harvestime Bakery site, where we worked with Vistry Partnerships to deliver 22 homes for affordable rent.

“To help us achieve our net zero carbon ambitions by 2050, these new homes will be highly energy efficient, going further than current building regulation requirements. This will include low carbon systems, which will not only produce fewer emissions but lead to lower energy bills for our customers.

We’re looking forward to working with all our partners to make this fantastic scheme a reality.”