First phase of new homes for Shard End, Birmingham

The first of a four phase partnership housing scheme in Shard End, Birmingham, has created 34 new homes.

Birmingham City Council has worked collaboratively with Barratt West Midlands, national affordable housing provider Affinity Sutton, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Stoford Retail to secure funding for the project.

The £27 million housing scheme will deliver new homes and a shopping parade with amenities including a library, supermarket, post office, chemist and other independent shops.

The homes are being built to an environmentally friendly brief and 26 will be shared ownership homes to buy, with eight for rent through the city council’s affordable housing partner Affinity Sutton.

New family-sized properties will include larger four-bedroom homes which will replace smaller properties. All homes will be complete by December 2013 and the parade of shops by November this year. The new houses are the first of a four phase project, which in total, will create 191 new homes.

Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor John Lines, said: “Once again, I’m in the position to be able to announce good news about creating new homes. The houses and shops in Shard End will be a huge boost for local people, helping to create community spirit amongst those that live there. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank staff and our partners for their efforts in this latest transformation, which will change people’s lives and their neighbourhood.”

To deliver this scheme the HCA provided £4.8 million towards the project, with £1 million from Birmingham City Council and £150,000 from the City Housing Partnership through the Working Neighbourhoods Fund. The bulk of the investment, £21 million, has been invested by Barratt West Midlands.

Paul Spooner, executive director for the HCA Midlands, said: “We are delighted that HCA investment has enabled the completion of this first phase of homes. It is a massive boost to the community of Shard End – improving access to high quality affordable housing and creating local jobs.”