Homes on 1960s estate in Wolverhampton to be bulldozed in £42.5m redevelopment
"Outdated" council housing on a Wolverhampton estate is to be demolished and replaced with new energy-efficient homes, under a £42.5 million redevelopment programme.
Built in the 1960s, New Park Village falls within the Heath Town ward and is made up of just over 400 properties.
The restructure, due to be approved by council cabinet next week, will see 205 obsolete homes in Ellerton Walk, Shawbury Road and Valley Road bulldozed.
Substantial progress has already been made in transferring existing tenants, with 90 out of the 205 properties in phase one of the restructure now empty and 52 remaining.
A consultation showed 75 per cent of residents who returned surveys were in favour of demolition rather than refurbishment.
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city housing, said: “We are continuing to invest heavily in new and replacement council housing and this scheme will make a major difference to residents in New Park Village.
"It forms part of our housing plans to deliver good homes in well-connected neighbourhoods across the city.
“The maisonette blocks at Ellerton Walk are in a poor condition, and the walkways around the estate have suffered structural damage and need replacing.
"In the long term, the redevelopment will contribute to the improvement of tenants' living conditions with the provision of energy-efficient new homes, better play areas and green space creating an environmentally friendly estate.
“The project team will continue to work closely with the New Park Village Tenant Management Co-operative, its committee members and the residents’ steering group to ensure a successful outcome to this critical regeneration scheme,” he added.
A large proportion of the properties due to be bulldozed are poor-quality bungalows and deck-access maisonettes that sit within eight linked blocks, each with integral garages at ground-floor level.
While demolition takes place, final designs will be drawn up, a revised planning application submitted for approval and a construction contractor appointed with development works anticipated to start in early 2025.
Environmental improvements will also be included in designs for the new homes, addressing car parking and road layout, as well as providing green space and new and improved play areas on the estate.
The programme is being funded from the council’s Housing Revenue Account capital budget.
The redevelopment will be phased over several years to minimise the number of moves residents have to make, with demolition work starting in spring 2024.
Cabinet members will be asked to approve the plans at a meeting next Wednesday.
