WORK has started in Kingshurst to build 25 new sustainable social rented homes.
The net-zero carbon-regulated houses are being built on the site of the former Mountfort pub as part the regeneration scheme to completely transform Kingshurst Village Centre.
Set to be delivered in phases, the final scheme will provide a new mix of sustainable housing and modern retail space, centered around a brand-new community health and wellness hub.
The first significant stage of demolition, which included dismantling the entire body of the main shopping parade, was concluded in August.
Prior to this, key shops and businesses, including the local co-op, were successfully relocated to nearby buildings outside of the initial demolition area.
This temporary arrangement is allowing important local services to continue operating throughout the regeneration scheme, reducing the disruption to local residents.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council and portfolio holder for the economy, said: “This is a huge day for Kingshurst as this first phase of construction officially gets underway.
“The 25 new homes being built here have been designed with the highest energy efficiency standards in mind and will serve as an exemplar for what can be achieved for the rest of the scheme and elsewhere across the borough.”
Fiona Hughes, Chief Executive at Solihull Community Housing, said: “We have worked closely with Solihull Council, local residents and key stakeholders to help shape the vision for a redeveloped Kingshurst Village Centre.
“It’s really exciting to see that vision start to be realised with the delivery of much needed, high quality sustainable and affordable new homes in Kingshurst.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Advancing the regeneration of Kingshurst village centre has been a key priority for me as Mayor – and of course a really important scheme for Solihull as well as the wider region.”
The new homes on the Mountfort site are due to be finished by August 2024.
