£26m Sandwell housing scheme work is kickstarted
A £26 million homes development will create a 'prosperous family neighbourhood', chiefs said today, after work began on the scheme.
Sandwell Council is working with support from the Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and has teamed up with housing developers Barratt Homes to build 227 properties on the Windmill Eye development in Smethwick.
The new housing scheme is part of the £86 million Windmill Eye Regeneration Scheme, which was developed after a public consultation, as well as representatives from organisations such as the NHS Trust and British Waterways.
The scheme will see construction of new houses, bungalows and apartments on vacant sites along with the refurbishment of existing houses, flats, and properties.
There will also be improvements to the area's open spaces and play areas, as well as further improvements to shops and services, which the council hopes will create new employment opportunities.
Ground works at the site off Messenger Road, the Crofts and Unett Street started earlier this year. Councillor Darren Cooper, leader of Sandwell Council and who represents Soho and Victoria ward, said: "It is great to see this scheme under way.
"We have a clear vision that Windmill Eye will be a prosperous family neighbourhood with safe places to play and work. These new homes play a key part of making that vision a reality."
Around 40 per cent of the homes have been set aside for affordable housing.
Messenger Road and a section of Baldwin Street will be shut until December 3 while developer Barratt Homes carries out work on the site.
