Birmingham’s Ladywood Estate is on the cusp of a transformation that could redefine urban living in the city.
A £2.2 billion regeneration project, now cemented by a development agreement between Birmingham City Council and St Joseph, part of the Berkeley Group, promises to reshape 146 acres of the city’s heart over the next two decades.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a sustainable, vibrant community from the ground up.
7,000 new homes
Picture this: 7,000 new homes, with at least 20% designated as affordable, catering to a range of tenures. Two public parks, 14 hectares of green space, new schools, community hubs and improved transport links.
At least 70% of existing homes will be refurbished or replaced in a single move, ensuring residents can stay rooted in their community.
The project isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about people. It’s expected to deliver 1,000 apprenticeships and 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs, offering a lifeline to local families and young people eager for opportunity.
The road to this point hasn’t been swift. Since St Joseph was named the council’s preferred partner in June 2023, nearly two years of negotiations have ensured the deal prioritises Ladywood’s residents and Birmingham’s long-term prosperity.
Start of a collaborative journey.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, has been clear: this is the start of a collaborative journey.
Community information sessions planned for June will shape the masterplan, giving residents a voice in their neighbourhood’s future. Work won’t begin until at least 2028, but the groundwork for meaningful change is being laid now.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has championed the scheme as a direct response to the region’s housing crisis, where too many families endure overcrowded, substandard accommodation.
By renewing and expanding Ladywood’s housing stock, the project aims to provide safe, warm homes for generations.
Stephen Kirwan, managing director of St Joseph, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of listening to residents to craft a masterplan that inspires pride.
