Historic Birmingham Hospital Site Set for Major Housing Transformation
Homes England has officially announced a landmark partnership with developer Vistry to regenerate Birmingham's former City Hospital site into a vibrant new community featuring 750 homes. The building lease agreement, confirmed today (21 January 2026), marks a significant step forward in repurposing the historic healthcare facility that served the city for 130 years before closing last year.
Comprehensive Development Plans for the Site
The ambitious regeneration project will see the majority of the existing hospital buildings demolished to make way for 698 brand new high-quality homes. Additionally, the former infirmary building will be sensitively converted to provide a further 52 one and two-bedroom apartments, preserving elements of the site's heritage while creating modern living spaces.
Vistry has already secured planning permission for both aspects of the development, having obtained approval for the new-build homes and recently receiving further permission for the infirmary conversion. The comprehensive scheme will include a retail convenience store to serve the new community.
Affordable Housing Commitment and Community Benefits
A crucial aspect of the development is the commitment to affordable housing, with 35% of the 750 homes designated as affordable across various tenures to meet local housing needs. This substantial proportion reflects the partners' dedication to addressing Birmingham's housing challenges while creating a mixed and inclusive community.
The site's transformation follows extensive collaboration between three public sector bodies: Homes England, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and Birmingham City Council. This partnership ensured the smooth transition of patients and staff to the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which opened in October 2024.
Project Timeline and Current Progress
Site preparation has already commenced, with asbestos removal works beginning in December 2025 to facilitate safe demolition. Following completion of demolition activities, construction is scheduled to start in the second half of 2026, with the first homes expected to be completed by early 2027.
Mike Goulding, Director of Development at Homes England, commented: "This development marks a new chapter for a historic site, bringing much-needed, high-quality homes – with over a third as affordable housing – to this part of Birmingham. We've worked closely with the NHS Trust, Birmingham City Council, and the local community to enable a smooth and safe transition from a working hospital to a site ready for demolition and construction."
Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at Birmingham City Council, added: "This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision. By collaborating with Homes England, Vistry, and the NHS Trust, we are transforming the former City Hospital site into a vibrant community with high-quality homes, including 35% affordable housing. This development reflects our collective commitment to tackling housing challenges."
The regeneration represents a significant urban transformation for Birmingham, repurposing a substantial brownfield site to deliver much-needed housing while creating a new sustainable community in a well-connected location.
