West Bromwich Development Takes Step Forward
Plans to bring a landmark building to West Bromwich town centre have taken a major step forward. The first phase of the Urban 180 housing scheme was completed in July 2013 and features new and contemporary affordable homes in the heart of the town.
The second phase is set to be completed later this year.
A new landmark building including some enterprise space will be developed in the final phase of the project as well as 18 further affordable homes.
Formerly known as Eastern Gateway, the scheme is a partnership between Sandwell Council, the Accord Group and the Homes and Communities Agency.
The total cost of Urban 180 housing scheme is £10 million, including £1.5 million from the Homes and Communities Agency. Sandwell Council has agreed to transfer the land at the corner of High Street and Bull Street, allowing preparation work for the final phase of the scheme to get under way.
Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell’s cabinet member for jobs and economy, said: “Urban 180 is a key part of the regeneration of West Bromwich town centre. The scheme has transformed the run-down site into a thriving and attractive modern residential and enterprise space. Transferring the land over to the Accord Group brings the final phase of the scheme one step closer.”
Alan Yates, Executive Director of Regeneration at the Accord Group, said: “We are proud to work with Sandwell Council to be part of the regeneration of West Bromwich. “The homes at Urban 180 are not just modern but they are sustainable too, featuring homes to rent and buy.” The enterprise space will be situated on the ground floor of the new building and be funded and managed by the Accord Group.
A planning application for the work is expected to be submitted this summer with building work set to start on the final phase in April 2015.
Phase one of the project is now complete and provides a mixture of 29 affordable rental and ourtright sale two, three and four-bed homes.
A further 34 further new homes and apartments are being built as part of the second phase and will be completed later this year.
Funding has been secured for the scheme under the Homes and Communities Agency’s Affordable Homes Guarantees Programme (2015).