Work starts on 179-home council housing scheme

A housebuilder has broken ground on a £42 million regeneration project in Wolverhampton that will transform an ageing housing estate with 179 new energy-efficient council homes.

Keon Homes has begun construction at New Park Village, where outdated 1960s maisonettes are being replaced with modern properties as part of a wider transformation of the estate.

The milestone follows extensive preparatory work, including underground surveys, the diversion of water, gas, electricity and telecommunications services, and the installation of a new road.

With the first blocks of maisonettes demolished last year, the initial phase will see 98 homes built over the next 24 months, followed by the demolition of the remaining properties and construction of a further 81 homes.

New one, two, three and four-bedroom properties will be available for affordable rent, with existing estate tenants given priority before any remaining homes are offered to local residents on the housing waiting list.

Matt Beckley, partnerships director at Keon Homes, said: “It is always fantastic when the first bricks are laid on a scheme that will support a local community in Wolverhampton.

“New Park Village is a landmark housing regeneration development, which will create hundreds of high-quality, energy efficient homes.

“These properties will generate new opportunities for local people and families, as well as bringing important parts of the city back to life.”

Designed to achieve an EPC rating of B, the development will also feature additional parking, improved green spaces, a children’s play area, outdoor gym equipment and seating, alongside a new office for the New Park Village Tenant Management Cooperative.

The project forms part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s wider housing investment programme, with funding provided through its Housing Revenue Account capital budget and support from Homes England’s Social and Affordable Housing Programme.

Earlier this year, seven wheelchair-accessible, two-bedroom council bungalows were also completed on Longford Road as part of the wider New Park Village masterplan.

The regeneration is being delivered in phases over several years to minimise disruption to residents.

Val McKean, chair of the New Park Village Committee and a resident steering group member, added: “I’ve lived here for about ten years, and this place is going to be amazing when it’s finished.

“This is where the excitement starts – seeing the new homes going up to replace the old and cold flats we’re currently in will be great.

“It will be similar to Heath Town where the residents are so thrilled by the improvements.”

Councillor Steve Evans, deputy leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and cabinet member for city housing and assets, added: “This is a major milestone that means we will soon start seeing top-quality new council homes for affordable rent coming out of the ground where out-dated 1960s maisonettes once stood.

“We are continuing to invest heavily in new and replacement council housing across the city, and it is all about creating better connected communities where people can enjoy brighter futures.

“In the long-term, the redevelopment will improve living conditions for local residents through the provision of highly energy-efficient new homes, better play areas and green space creating an environmentally friendly estate.”

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