A stalled council housing project in Walsall is set to move forward after a £1 million funding boost from West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker. The scheme, located on the former scrap yard site at Hollyhedge Lane, had been “mothballed” for over 18 months following contractor financial difficulties and subsequent administration.
Whg, the social landlord and site owner, has appointed Lovell Partnerships to complete the development. Due to the extended halt in construction since March 2024, two of the three partially built apartment blocks must be demolished and rebuilt. The entire scheme is now expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Upon completion, the development will deliver 71 social rent homes managed by whg, addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing in the region. More than 65,000 households remain on social housing waiting lists locally, with thousands currently living in temporary accommodation, including nearly 15,000 children.
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West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker emphasized the urgency of ramping up social housing, aiming to build 2,000 social rent homes annually by 2028. “Access to safe, secure housing is pivotal to improving lives,” he stated, “and projects like this provide vital opportunities for families to find stability and thrive.”
Rebecca Bennett Casserly, whg’s Corporate Director of Development, acknowledged the complexity of restarting the project but expressed gratitude for the collaboration with WMCA, Homes England, and Walsall Council. “We are now focused on delivering high-quality, affordable homes that will make a tangible difference for people who need them most,” she said.
Stuart Penn, Regional Managing Director at Lovell Partnerships, highlighted the value of long-term partnerships in overcoming challenges and hitting housing targets. “With thorough assessment and redesigned plans, we’re ready to resume construction and deliver much-needed homes to the Walsall community.”