Scheme for 1,000 homes at Wolverhampton canalside takes step forward after previous setback
Plans to create 1,000 new homes alongside a derelict industrial canalside site in Wolverhampton moved a step closer this week, after council chiefs gave the go-ahead for a developer to be appointed for the project.
The multi-million pound makeover of the council-owned nine-acre brownfield site off Qualcast Road, Horseley Fields – formerly home to British Steel – is a major part of the local authority’s drive to create more urban living.
City cabinet bosses have met to approve the selection of a developer to take on the Canalside South scheme – one of the largest residential projects in the Midlands.
The move follows initial developer Legal and General Modular Homes closing its production factory in May. The council and landowning development partner Canal and River Trust are now working on bids for a new partner.
The scheme will see hundreds of new homes built along one of the most historic stretches of canal in the country. The land, just outside of the city centre, is made up of the former Crane Foundry site and the council’s old British Steel premises.
Acting leader of the council and cabinet member for inclusive city economy, councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “Following due diligence and a lot of hard work, we have moved quickly to find an alternative preferred developer for this large and exciting opportunity at Canalside South and through our partnership with the Canal and River Trust, we are determined to realise its potential.
“Strong partnership working is delivering billions of pounds of investment across Wolverhampton – and by pooling our resources with the Canal and River Trust we believe we can bring about a nationally significant development. It will enable our residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities and health and wellbeing opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.”
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city housing, told fellow cabinet members: “This is a really good project amongst many that have taken place in Wolverhampton towards our moves for city centre living. People should have a right to a really decent home wherever they choose to live, and that includes the city centre.
“I think it’s really important that people have these opportunities wherever they choose to live in the city, and that these places should be well connected.”
Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for children, young people and education, added: “I think one of the many things that is really impressive about this project is the way it fits the maximum amount of properties into the maximum amount of space.
“This will transform that stretch of canal, because although it is a vital commuting route, at the moment it doesn’t have the feel of being a particularly safe place to walk – but it will be once we have this improvement in place.
“A lot of other developers see Victorian architecture that is left there as a hindrance. But what we are doing here is enhancing those structures and creating another vital development that Wolverhampton can be proud of.”
Council bosses are now also looking to expand the development with further retail, leisure and commercial opportunities as it develops.
