Call to ‘change perceptions’ of regeneration project which could transform a Birmingham inner city neighbourhood

The major scheme, set to last more than two decades, has been described as the city’s most significant housing regeneration and redevelopment opportunity.

The council has said it will deliver high quality new homes as part of a “well-designed neighbourhood” as well as the re-provision or refurbishment of all 1,266 council-owned properties on the estate.

But fears have been raised by residents and campaigners over the possible impact on the community; homes being bulldozed and disruption from years of building work.

An update on the project was provided at a recent council meeting, where one Ladywood councillor praised the work that’s been done since an agreement was signed between Birmingham Council and developer St Joseph Homes in April.

“What has been achieved is actually remarkable in terms of the progress that’s been made,” Councillor Sir Albert Bore said.

“A lot of that progress is in terms of building or rebuilding agreements and understandings with the residents of the area.

“In those years between 2019 and April 2025, the problem was the understanding between the residents and the council couldn’t be improved on because there was nothing we could talk about.

“The engagement there’s now been since April 2025 has, in my view, moved that agenda on a long way.”

But both Councillor Bore and Councillor Lisa Trickett, chair of the council’s homes committee, acknowledged more work needed to be done to engage with the residents of Ladywood.

“We have to change the perception of what’s going on,” Councillor Trickett said. “We have to accept that people’s perception is their reality.

“So I think actually looking at the communication methods, not just the formal meetings, use TikTok, use Instagram, show pictures.

“Do something that changes the perception because otherwise no matter how hard you’re all working, people’s reality will be framed by the perception they already have.”

A report, published ahead of the meeting, said the target is to submit a hybrid planning application for the scheme by the end of October 2026.

Before that, further community workshops are set to take place through autumn and winter this year.

Work is not due to start on site until at least 2028.

‘We will seek to minimise demolition’

Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of the council, previously said that all residents will be given the opportunity to be fully involved.

She said: "The investment being made is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the regeneration of the Ladywood Estate to make it more sustainable, provide better facilities, better transport links, walking routes, and green spaces.

‘’As well as the refurbishment or re-provision of at least 70 per cent of the existing homes on the estate, significant new homes will be built and at least 20 per cent of these will be affordable homes.

“All council homes on the estate will either be re-provided or refurbished.”

She continued: “We will seek to minimise the demolition of homes and deliver the benefits of estate regeneration.

“The partnership agreement has been agreed later than planned to ensure we have secured the best deal for Ladywood and the city.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands, said earlier this year: “Too many families are dealing with long waiting lists, and have no choice but to live in unsuitable, overcrowded and poorly regulated accommodation.

“That is why tackling our housing crisis is one of my key priorities.

“This regeneration scheme, in the heart of Birmingham, will not only deliver hundreds of new homes but also see the existing council housing stock renewed and replaced giving local people a safe and warm place to call home.”