Former West Bromwich gas works site transformed to provide 'much needed, high-quality homes for local people'

GreenSquareAccord (GSA) is delivering 147 homes for social and affordable rent on the site of a former gas works on Swan Lane, working with Sandwell Council, Homes England, and Midlands-based property developer Morro Partnerships.

Carl Taylor, assistant director for new business at GSA, said: "With the first eight of 30 homes to complete before the end of March, we are delighted that we will soon be welcoming the first customers to Swan Lane. This brownfield site has been unlocked through partnership working which is transforming disused industrial land into a thriving community of new homes. Our Swan Lane scheme meets a variety of local housing needs by providing 41 two- and 24 three-bedroom houses, and 17 one- and 65 two-bedroom apartments."

Sustainability is at the heart of the Swan Lane development, with homes having solar panels, electric vehicle charging points installed throughout the site and plans to plant numerous trees. The development will also feature large open spaces, including a pond to support local wildlife.

Sandwell Council has been a key partner in the development, assisting with a successful bid for a £3.2 million grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership which has contributed towards the significant decontamination of the land.

The leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “This development at Swan Lane is a strong example of what can be achieved through partnership working. By working closely with GreenSquareAccord, Homes England and Morro Partnerships, we have brought a former brownfield site back into productive use and transformed it into much needed, high-quality homes for local people.

“These homes will be owned and managed by GreenSquareAccord, with the council nominating residents from our housing register, ensuring they directly support those in greatest housing need in Sandwell. Just as importantly, the scheme has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating green spaces, tree planting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. It’s about not only delivering much-needed affordable housing, but creating a modern, environmentally responsible community that residents can be proud to call home.”

The homes are being built by Morro Partnerships and will comprise one and two-bedroom apartments plus two- and three-bedroom houses.

Gavin Ward, West Midlands’ operations director at Morro Partnership, said “We are proud to be working in partnership with GreenSquareAccord, Sandwell Council and Homes England to bring forward these much-needed affordable homes at Swan Lane. Transforming a former gas works into a high-quality, sustainable residential development is a significant achievement and demonstrates the power of partnership-led regeneration.

“This scheme not only delivers 147 new homes for local people, but also remediates and revitalises a challenging brownfield site, creating a safe and energy-efficient place to live. At Morro Partnerships, we are committed to leaving a positive legacy in the communities where we build, and it has been fantastic to engage with local schools and residents as part of this development. We look forward to seeing the new community at Swan Lane settle in and thrive in the months ahead."

Construction is expected to be completed on the site before the end of the year.