Homes England and West Midlands Combined Authority launch Strategic Place Partnership

Today, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Homes England have disclosed their latest strategy to accelerate the construction of houses in the region.

An agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been established to officially confirm the West Midlands Strategic Place Partnership (SPP). This partnership shares a vision to rejuvenate abandoned areas of land that were once used for industrial purposes and turn them into prosperous and vibrant neighbourhoods and localities.

The better partnership between WMCA and Homes England is a result of a deal called Deeper Devolution Deal. This deal was signed by the government and the combined authority in the previous year.

The devolution deal has set aside a huge sum of money that amounts to £400 million for the purpose of investing in affordable homes throughout the region. Homes England and WMCA will be the beneficiaries of this investment.

The SPP aims to establish a partnership between the two groups in order to tackle challenging and stagnant brownfield areas and advance the creation of resilient, reasonably priced, and long-lasting homes.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, who also serves as the Chair of the WMCA, expressed his views on the matter.

Constructing houses and building fresh neighborhoods on land that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes has been among the notable accomplishments of the region in recent times.

The collaboration between us and Homes England entails a close working relationship that aims to boost the pace of constructing houses. Our goal is to repurpose some of our most substantial brownfield sites to accommodate eco-friendly homes that are truly inexpensive.

Around one-third of the newly constructed homes so far that received investments from WMCA are categorized as affordable. What sets the West Midlands apart from other regions is that it is still on course to achieve its goal of constructing 215,000 new homes by 2031.

Our collaboration with Homes England and the large sum of money we received for brownfield redevelopment via our Deeper Devolution Deal will enhance our accomplishments and result in the creation of additional homes. It will also transform more neighborhoods and enhance the living standards for individuals throughout our region.

The SPP approach is a technique used by Homes England to progress regionally-driven development of housing and renewal.

Created to assist smaller regions with the most bold ideas for expanding housing, the SPP revolves around a joint strategy for moving forward with those ideas.

The WMCA and Homes England have collaborated in the past to revitalize significant areas of the area. These efforts have resulted in the development of Digbeth as a vibrant hub for creativity in Birmingham, achieved by relocating the Masterchef studios from London. Additionally, the Lockside estate in Walsall, which was once home to the Caparo steelworks, has been transformed into 252 residences, 120 of which are affordable homes, with both parties' involvement.

Ian Courts, the leader of Solihull Council and the person responsible for housing and land at WMCA, expressed his views by saying:

We have excellent news to share as we have successfully obtained our SSP from Homes England, thanks to our extended Devolution Deal.

When we establish a stronger connection, we will reap several advantages, such as improving our comprehension of the present financing systems and how to combine them to optimize the effects of our resources focused on constructing more homes in the locality.

Our efforts in redeveloping brownfield sites are leading the way in creating new opportunities for both businesses and homes. By partnering with others, we are not only working towards our goal of providing over 12,000 homes, but we are also creating communities that are desirable, long-lasting, and successful. This is what place-making is all about.

According to CEO of Homes England, Peter Denton, it was stated that...

The Partnership model for Strategic Places offers a system which aids leaders in their locality, who possess a robust vision for redevelopment and housing.

The West Midlands Combined Authority has a strong desire to improve the lives and communities of its people. To achieve this, they will use the resources of the Agency, including its powers, partners, funds, and capabilities. They plan to work with others to make their aspirations a reality and unlock the full potential of the region. This partnership is the fifth of its kind for Homes England, with previous agreements reached with Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and South Essex.

Following the launch of a 200 million pound funding initiative aimed at promoting the development of 12,000 additional homes on brownfield sites throughout the region, the WMCA SPP has emerged.

The creators are being motivated to seek financial aid in order to construct additional superior dwellings and improve the living conditions of the nearby neighborhoods in the area.

Regarding the West Midlands Combined Authority:

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is headed by the Mayor of the region and comprises of 17 local councils. Its main responsibility is to supervise the process of transferring control and finances from the central government to the West Midlands.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is giving control back to local authorities by utilizing new government powers. This will enable the region to work together to create a more prosperous, connected, healthier and contented West Midlands.

The WMCA is putting in colossal amounts of money to enhance the transportation system in the area and convert abandoned industrial properties into fresh housing and workspaces. It is also aiding current enterprises and promoting the development of eco-friendly and pioneering industries.

The core of this idea centers around a robust economy that is environmentally friendly and welcoming to all. Such an economy will aid the region in its desire to achieve net zero carbon levels by 2041. Additionally, it will ensure that everyone has access to affordable and high-quality housing as well as the necessary training to secure meaningful employment.

Our organization, which is responsible for housing and redevelopment on behalf of the government, strongly believes that providing reasonably priced, high-quality homes in thoughtfully planned areas is essential to enhancing individuals' lives. We accomplish this goal by utilizing our abilities, knowledge, property, finances, and sway to attract investments to communities and construct additional superior residences.

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