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Multimillion-Pound Boost for Affordable Housing in Digbeth
A major residential project in Digbeth, Birmingham, is set to receive a significant financial boost from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). While the final amount is still under negotiation, WMCA has confirmed a “multimillion-pound investment” into the development, which will introduce 481 apartments to the area.
The project, led by Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, will transform derelict land off Clyde Street. Over half of the apartments (55%) are designated as affordable housing, including 141 homes earmarked for social rent. The development consists of two interconnected buildings, standing at ten and 34 storeys, and will feature five commercial units and a pocket park.
The initiative aligns with Mayor Richard Parker’s ‘Homes for Everyone’ plan, launched in September, which aims to accelerate the construction of social and affordable housing across the West Midlands. Mayor Parker highlighted the importance of the project, describing it as the “first step in delivering thousands of social homes.”
“For too long, investment in social housing has been neglected, leaving people without the safe, affordable homes they deserve. I’m determined to change that,” Parker said. “Rebuilding our social housing stock not only provides homes for those who need them most but also creates jobs and drives economic growth.”
In line with sustainable living goals, all apartments will be powered by solar panels and heat pumps, aiming to lower energy costs for residents. WMCA’s approval paves the way for detailed negotiations with Latimer to finalise the investment.
Frasers Group Acquires Land for Mega Headquarters in Ansty
In another major development, Frasers Group has secured a 278-acre site in Ansty, near Coventry, for its new global headquarters. The retail giant acquired the land from Harworth Group in a £53.5 million deal following planning approval from Rugby Borough Council.
Frasers Group plans to relocate from its current headquarters in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, consolidating its warehouse operations at the new site. Designed by renowned architects Grimshaw, the site will feature office headquarters, concept retail and R&D facilities, leisure spaces, and a gym designed for real-time equipment testing. Additional amenities will include a 100-room hotel, a 750-seat auditorium, retail and dining options, and a mobility hub.
The ambitious project will also provide 80 residential units and five logistics buildings covering over 252,000 square feet. The development is expected to generate 7,680 jobs and contribute £69 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the local economy.
Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive at Harworth, emphasised the collaborative efforts that made the deal possible. “The Ansty transaction highlights our expertise in strategic land assembly. Collaboration with stakeholders has enabled us to accelerate the delivery of this site,” Shillaw said. “This deal, alongside our recent land sale to Microsoft, marks the end of an exciting year for Harworth.”
Harworth intends to reinvest proceeds from the sale into infrastructure and other development projects within its industrial and logistics pipeline.
A Positive Outlook for the Region
These developments mark significant milestones in housing and economic growth for the West Midlands and Coventry areas. With large-scale residential and commercial projects moving forward, both regions are set to benefit from job creation, housing expansion, and sustainable growth initiatives in the coming years.
