02.03.20
Multi-million pound WMCA deal to turn steelworks site into housing
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has announced a multi-million pound investment to transform the former Caparo steelworks into local housing.
A 252-home community will emerge from the derelict steelworks site in Walsall, turning a long-standing eyesore into a 16.5-acre housing site.
The Combined Authority will also work to support the land remediation and other on-site issues, allowing new housing and industrial land in the area to be brought forward by the developers.
It comes as part of a wider programme of measures from WMCA to unlock brownfield sites in the region.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “It is great to see another derelict brownfield site being brought back into use for much needed new housing thanks to the WMCA.
“Not only will this scheme help to further ease pressure on the greenbelt in the Black Country, but it will also help increase the number of affordable homes being built across the region.
“The funding deal requires developer Anthem Lovell to make at least 20% of the new homes affordable and it’s excellent they have chosen to exceed that and go for 30% instead.”
Of the proposed housing site, 78 will be affordable homes, supporting the WMCA’s pledge to deliver a minimum affordable housing provision of 20% of every site it’s involved with.
A planning application for the 252-home project has been submitted and a decision is expected by the summer.
It involves a range of options, including private homes for sale and rent, shared ownership and affordable rent, as well as creating local jobs and 15 local apprenticeships during construction.
From left: Stuart Penn, regional managing director for Lovell, Cllr Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council and WMCA portfolio holder for housing, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and Duncan Smith, commercial director of whg