‘Urgent need’ for affordable housing identified by housing developer in Black Country
A developer working on a new Black Country affordable housing scheme said there is an ‘urgent need’ for new homes in the area.
Earlier this month, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker announced funding for 34 two and three bedroom homes to be made available for discounted rents or through a rent-to-buy scheme.
The £7.4m development is being built by Keon Homes for housing association Citizen, with £450,000 coming from the West Midlands Combined Authority to cover the cost of cleaning up the brownfield site. It is also part funded by Homes England.
Friar Park is the third time that Keon Homes and Citizen have joined forces on an affordable housing project in the West Midlands.
Work on the 34-home Friar Park Road scheme is now under way and is due to be completed by late 2026.
Matt Beckley, Head of Partnerships at Keon Homes, said: “We are a builder that is committed to ‘Brownfield first’.
“This is the latest example of how we continue to work with partners like the West Midlands Combined Authority, Homes England and existing client Citizen to regenerate a derelict piece of land in the Black Country.
“Wednesbury is in urgent need of more affordable homes and Friar Park will certainly deliver that, with an emphasis on high quality, energy efficient housing that places community at its heart.
“It’s an important building block in the wider masterplan for this former industrial site and will greatly increase connectivity in the West Midlands.
“This development will also champion the next generation of construction professionals, with 10 apprentices working on site.
“We are passionate about bringing new people into the sector and this is reflected through our ‘Homegrown Talent’ initiative, which provides access to mentors and continuous professional development for anyone under the age of 25 in our business.”
Mr Parker said: “This is yet another example of how we are transforming underused or derelict sites into vibrant new places where people can afford to live and raise families.
“It’s part of my commitment to build affordable homes at a time when too many people are struggling to secure the safe, warm home they need to get ahead in life.
“Schemes like this don’t just build new homes, they provide jobs and help rebuild communities that people can feel connected to and proud of.”
