'Laying the first bricks is always a special moment,' developer says as building of almost 100 new energy-efficient council homes starts in Bushbury

The development is part of Wolverhampton Council’s citywide strategy to identify solutions for 4,100 homes built by out-dated, non-traditional construction methods.

Keon Homes, appointed through the council’s housing framework, are building the new homes, with the first ones now starting to emerge on School Lane after residents joined city housing partners to lay the first bricks.

Demolition of the ageing bungalows is simultaneously taking place across the estate on Alleston Road, Alleston Walk, Grosvenor Road, Grosvenor Crescent, Lincoln Green, School Lane and Wood Lane.

To date, 21 properties have been demolished and the first phase will see 36 bungalows built by summer 2026.

Matt Wilkes, Keon Homes project manager, said: “Laying the first bricks is always a special moment and delivers a visual sign to local people that the exciting vision is becoming a reality.

“We are proud to be supporting Wolverhampton Council on its ambitious housing framework, not only creating high quality homes that are energy efficient but delivering vibrant communities that make a real difference to individuals and families.”

All of the old bungalows have been declared defective under the 1985 Housing Act - and suffer from a number of issues including failing structural elements, leaking and poorly insulated roofs, very poor thermal efficiency and wet rot in the floor.

The state of the properties prompted the council to replace the homes before they have an adverse effect on the health and wellbeing of tenants.

The new, modern council bungalows will also provide a greater ability to adapt properties to meet tenants’ needs, which has been difficult to achieve in the out-dated homes due to their structural limitations.

Diane Brookshaw, of Grosvenor Crescent, who is chairperson of Lincoln Green Estate Tenants Residents’ Association, said: “We’re all excited and can’t wait to get into our new homes.

“It’s great to see the first bricks getting laid and the process has been very good generally - we’ve been updated all the way through.”

The redevelopment programme is being managed on behalf of the council by Wolverhampton Homes and follows consultation with residents. 

Existing council tenants, currently living in the out-dated bungalows, will be given the chance to move into the new properties. 

The remaining new homes will be allocated to local people in line with the council’s official housing allocations policy.

Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton Council deputy leader and cabinet member for city housing, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and it was great to see the residents excited to watch the first bricks being laid for their new homes.

“The non-traditional built properties they were living are in such poor structural condition that they can no longer be economically and satisfactorily maintained.

“For the safety and comfort of our residents, we are delivering better homes in the long term that they can make their own in the same location.

“We have been talking regularly with all those affected and have engaged with all tenants, who are relishing the prospect of moving into brand new homes. They understand the absolute necessity to remove these out-dated bungalows and replace them with new modern homes.”