‘You will not be abandoned’: West Midlands council vows action after 10,000-home regeneration scheme collapses

The coalition running Birmingham Council has said Ladywood will not be ‘abandoned’ after a huge regeneration project for the area collapsed.

The council revealed this week that it had “mutually agreed” to part ways with developers Berkeley St Joseph after rising costs had made the plans in Ladywood unviable.

Previously described as the city’s most significant housing development in a generation, the authority insisted the project would have provided thousands of new homes, improved council housing, jobs and community benefits.

But deeply worried locals also spoke out about their mental anguish amid distress over the prospect of homes being demolished and frustration over delays.

Cllr Julien Pritchard (Green Party), deputy leader of the council, addressed the latest update on the saga at a cabinet meeting earlier today, November 10.

“It’s not an abandonment of Ladywood,” he said. “The council’s commitment to Ladywood and its community remains unchanged.

“Residents will be at the heart of future plans for the area and this administration [a coalition including Lib Dems and Greens] will make sure that is the case.”

Opposition councillors Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Cllr Jex Parkin (Reform) and Cllr Nicky Brennan (Labour) said the decision raises questions over governance at the council.

Joanne Roney, managing director at the council, responded: “This is not a decision that officers would take lightly, to use emergency powers in this way.

“In this instance, it was entirely due to the fact that this news was likely to break and residents would have heard it through the media.

“That goes completely contrary to every commitment we’ve given to the residents of Ladywood.

“And the purpose of bringing the cabinet report to the next meeting will be to address concerns raised.

“Today we just wanted to be very clear that this is a mutual agreement to terminate the arrangements but the commitment to regenerate Ladywood remains in place.

“The heart of that commitment is our engagement and consultation with the residents.”

‘Uncertainty and delay’

In a statement issued yesterday, a council spokesperson said: “This difficult decision comes after seven years of work to establish a partnership and masterplan to deliver over 10,000 much needed homes, upgraded existing social housing and unlocked a range of benefits for the local community and wider city.

“Increased construction and regulatory costs and a more challenging housing market and economic climate have placed significant pressure on the viability of the programme.

“Rather than continue with uncertainty and delay, both organisations believe it is better to exit the partnership in a constructive and agreed manner.”

They continued that the council intends to begin a “new conservation” with residents at the earliest opportunity about the future of the estate.

“We appreciate that this news will be deeply disappointing for many local people who have committed their time and energy to the regeneration of Ladywood,” they said.

“We greatly appreciate the contributions of the local community throughout the process and we are very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us and share their views.

“We are sorry that the programme cannot continue as planned.”