New investments to transform brownfield sites in Coventry, Nuneaton and Wolverhampton

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has confirmed a multi-million-pound investment package to kickstart the development of nearly 400 homes and new commercial premises at three derelict sites, supporting hundreds of jobs.

The brownfield regeneration schemes in Coventry, Nuneaton and Wolverhampton are the latest from the WMCA’s nationally acclaimed devolved housing and regeneration programme which, in partnership with industry, is providing new homes, jobs and commercial spaces while supporting the region’s economic recovery from the Covid pandemic.

The investment will now trigger detailed negotiations with project applicants to transform the brownfield sites at:

• Culwell Street – A scheme in the heart of Wolverhampton city centre which will support the construction of at least 300 homes in the first phase of the Brewers Yard regeneration project
• Abbey Street, Nuneaton – a 56,000sqft commercial development designed to support the regeneration of the town centre and 30 jobs
• Wood End Manor Farm, Coventry – investment to kickstart the delivery of 94 new homes as part of a much wider regeneration project

Further benefits of the schemes include the development of affordable housing for local people – as defined by the WMCA – the support of construction and supply chain jobs, the development of new skills and training and the use of the latest modular construction techniques.

The investment is drawn from the devolved housing and land funds secured by the WMCA from Government and will be used to cover the expensive land clean up, demolition and critical infrastructure costs at the three former industrial sites, paving the way for new development.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said:

The Covid pandemic has hit the West Midlands hard, but we’re determined to not be knocked off course and to press on with our plans to remediate derelict industrial land.

Not only do these projects breathe life into old brownfield sites, but they also help to create and secure local jobs – both now and for the future. This is key for both our recovery from the pandemic and my 100,000 jobs plan.

Also, by prioritising brownfield sites such as these for development, we’re helping to protect precious greenbelt land around the West Midlands. “All of this has been made possible by the substantial cash we have secured from Government, and we will continue to work with them to bring more eyesore sites back to life, building more homes and creating more jobs across the West Midlands.

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