First-time buyers move into affordable new homes in Coventry

First-time buyers continue to move into new homes in Coventry following investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The Spirit Quarters development situated off Milverton Road, on the Wood End estate, will deliver 94 homes, of which 20 are affordable, in its fifth phase of redevelopment.

Keepmoat, the developers, have delivered this phase in just over two years after agreeing a £1 million investment from the WMCA in December 2021.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA toured the new homes  just days after  announcing a £200 million funding pot to drive the construction of over 12,000 more homes on brownfield land across the region. Developers are being encouraged to apply for the funding to deliver more high-quality homes and create better places for local communities in the region.

Wood End estate, in north Coventry, was built by the city council in the late 1950s and early 1960s to rehouse families from the inner city as well as people moving to Coventry to work in its booming car industry.

But the previous homes were outdated and eventually classified as no longer fit for purpose. Since then, the estate has been transformed into a vibrant new community and has generated dozens of employment opportunities, throughout the lifetime of the project.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: "What a transformation we are seeing at the former Wood End estate with old, outdated properties replaced with good quality, affordable homes for local people.

The Mayor with residents Raghubeer Singh and Elizabeth Babalola.

"It’s yet another example of our priority to create new communities and sustainable neighbourhoods on brownfield land.

"By using devolved funding from government to clean-up derelict industrial land or redevelop residential sites like Wood End, we are helping to  create thousands of new homes and jobs.

"I look forward to seeing more people move into these wonderful new homes over the coming months, and watch this vibrant new community evolve."

The Spirit Quarters redevelopment is one of many investments the WMCA has made to regenerate brownfield sites for new homes and jobs helping to relieve development pressure on the green belt.

A minimum of 20% of homes built using WMCA money must be classed as affordable. In 2021, the West Midlands was the first region in the UK to introduce its own regional definition of affordability, which is linked to real world local incomes rather than property prices.

Amanda Bishop, regional managing director at Keepmoat, West Midlands, said: "We’re thrilled to be continuing delivery of quality, affordable housing for the latest phase in this regeneration project with the WMCA.

"As the Wood End project progresses, it's extremely rewarding to see new communities flourish as we work to regenerate the former brownfield land into an exciting place to live.

"Keepmoat is a brownfield specialist and aims to transform regions whilst improving the lives of local people. So far we have delivered more than 1,000 new homes in the wider Spirit Quarters development, creating employment for 16 local people and further strengthening our positive impact on the community."

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and portfolio holder for housing and land at the WMCA, said: “I’m pleased the WMCA has been able to support the wider regeneration programme at Spirit Quarters and help deliver the new homes on the Wood End estate.

“This project is another example of our ‘brownfield first’ approach bringing developments forward that create homes and jobs for our communities, as well as reducing the pressure on our invaluable green belt.”

Kevin Roach, Director of Regeneration Services at Citizen, said: “We’re honoured to be part of the Spirit Quarters development in northeast Coventry and to be providing affordable homes for people in the area. 

“At Citizen we work with our partners to make a positive difference to our customers and communities, and our work at Spirit Quarters highlights this.  

“The change that has taken place in the area and continues to take place would not have been possible without the continued drive, support and commitment of the community and our partner Moat House Community Trust.” 

Keepmoat is a strategic partner of the WMCA with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands and generate at least 250 new apprenticeships.

At least 70% of the workforce needed to deliver the homes will be employed from within a 30-mile radius of the developing area, while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible.

To apply for funding email: invest@wmca.org.uk