Construction has been completed at the £112million Belgrave Village scheme in central Birmingham, which has been delivered by Wavensmere Homes in partnership with Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital.
An event to mark the completion has taken place less than three years after work commenced on the former Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College and Birmingham Sports Centre site, which had lain derelict for 20 years. Wavensmere has delivered 438 energy-efficient houses and apartments, set amongst extensive new public open space. The 12-acre regeneration project has had a transformational impact on the southern gateway into Birmingham city centre.
Craig Gee, construction director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “Since mid-2022, Belgrave Village has been one of the most active regeneration sites in central Birmingham, with between 200-250 construction professionals working on-site five days per week. The first residents moved into their new homes in summer 2023, and this complex build programme has been delivered on schedule.”
“Despite a recent period of rampant inflation, the damaging Truss Budget and Base Rate hikes to levels not seen for 15 years, we have been able to maintain production. We are thankful for the skill and dedication of our entire project team and supply chain for working with us to deliver this vibrant new community and revive an overlooked part of the city. Seeing one thousand residents moving into the 438 homes and make great use of the open space and range of amenities is immensely rewarding.”
In addition to the 174 eco-focused two, three and four-bedroom houses and 264 one and two-bedroom apartments, Belgrave Village incorporates six acres of landscaped open space, a residents’ concierge, a gymnasium, a screening room and a co-working facility. The houses feature air source heat pumps and each floor benefits from three-metre-high ceilings. The gas-free homes have a high EPC rating, enabling purchasers to benefit from Green Mortgage rates.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Constructing homes on vacant brownfield land is critical to delivering the 4,000 homes per year that are needed across Birmingham to fulfil our city’s housing needs. Belgrave Village is an exemplary development where there are not only stylish apartments with city views but also a wide range of houses, enabling families to reap the benefits of living in this convenient location. Thank you to Wavensmere Homes and Galliard Homes for the tour to fully appreciate the quality of this mixed-tenure community. The striking architecture has had a transformational impact on this long overlooked thoroughfare into the city centre.”
David Hirschfield, group MD of Galliard Homes, said: “Belgrave Village is a shining example of what can be achieved through strong public-private partnership, transforming a long-derelict site into a thriving new community of 438 high-quality homes and green spaces in the heart of Birmingham. On behalf of the Galliard Apsley Partnership, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with Birmingham City Council and our joint venture partners, and reaffirm our commitment to the city’s regeneration and future growth.”
Donna Smith, sales director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “With more people now working from the office rather than home, city living is having a resurgence across the UK. Even with the volume of high-rise rental blocks being developed, there is a significant shortage of new homes in Birmingham. With a range of on-site amenities, Belgrave Village appeals to design-conscious buyers who lust after an Instagram-worthy home they can afford. The apartment buildings – which rise up to 11 storeys – also benefit from amazing views across Birmingham and its suburbs.”
“Even for PLC housebuilders, it’s unusual for more than 100 homes to be delivered on a single development within a 12-month period. We’re proud of our reputation for construction deliverability, which has seen this former eyesore remediated and built out in less than three years.”
