Major Step Forward for £112 Million Digbeth Housing Development
The development arm of Clarion Housing Group has taken a significant step forward in delivering a substantial new residential scheme in Birmingham's Digbeth area. Latimer has officially signed a main works contract valued at over £112 million with Winvic Construction Ltd to proceed with the construction of a mixed-tenure housing development.
Construction Timeline and Site Details
Subject to final pre-start conditions, construction work is scheduled to commence in October of this year on a 1.3-acre site located at Clyde Street and High Street in Digbeth. The project will involve the demolition of the existing building, with PJ Careys contracted to begin this preparatory work next month.
Housing Mix and Commercial Elements
The development will deliver a total of 481 new homes with a strong emphasis on affordability. The breakdown includes:
- 141 homes for social rent
- 147 homes for shared ownership
- 193 homes for private sale
This means 60% of the homes will be classified as affordable housing. Additionally, the project will feature 9,803 square feet of commercial space and include public realm improvements designed to support local activity and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Digbeth.
Leadership Perspectives on the Project
Richard Cook, chief development officer at Clarion Housing Group, emphasized the importance of this milestone: "Signing the contract with Winvic is a major step forward for this scheme and allows us to move confidently toward delivery. Digbeth is an area with a strong identity and huge potential, and this development will bring forward hundreds of much-needed new homes, with affordability at its core."
Cook added: "With 60 per cent of homes delivered as affordable, including a substantial proportion for social rent, this scheme reflects Latimer's long-term commitment to inclusive growth and creating places that work for a broad range of people. We are looking forward to working closely with Winvic to deliver high-quality homes and a development that contributes positively to Digbeth's continued regeneration."
Mark Jones, managing director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction Ltd, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We're proud to be partnering with Latimer to deliver this exciting new development in the heart of Digbeth, bringing our extensive experience in delivering complex, high-quality residential schemes in Birmingham."
Jones continued: "Working collaboratively with Latimer and the wider project team, we will focus on delivering sustainable, high-quality homes while also creating meaningful social value designed to leave a lasting positive legacy in the local community, including employment opportunities, skills development, and support for local businesses. We look forward to starting on site and playing our part in the continued regeneration of this growing area of Birmingham."
Broader Implications for Digbeth
This £112 million development represents a substantial investment in Digbeth's transformation, aligning with broader regeneration efforts in the area. The project's focus on affordable housing addresses critical needs in Birmingham's housing market while supporting local economic activity through commercial space and community enhancements.
