Kingshurst village centre regeneration - Phase One

We've delivered 25 net-zero carbon (regulated) social rented homes in Kingshurst.

This project is the first phase of a wider regeneration masterplan for Kingshurst that will transform the village centre. The wider masterplan aims to provide both sustainable housing and modern retail space, centred around a brand-new community health and wellness hub.

Reducing the risk of fuel poverty

The new homes include three- and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes. They are designed to be net-zero in operation (regulated), which means that residents will benefit from significantly reduced running costs. This is particularly significant for socially rented homes as it reduces the risk of residents experiencing fuel poverty.

To achieve this, we took a fabric-first approach to ensure the homes are highly insulated and as efficient as possible. This included using windows with a low U-value and high thermal efficiency and timber frames that have high levels of air tightness. Using timber for the frames has also helped to reduce embodied carbon emissions.

The new homes are fossil fuel free, with air source heat pumps heating them and integrated photovoltaics providing renewable energy.

Providing employment opportunities to individuals in the local community

As part of this project, we delivered a Building Lives Academy for local people who were not in employment, education or training (NEET).

The academy took the form of a Construction Training Hub and helped unemployed people living in the area to develop the skills and experience they need to secure employment in the construction industry.

Across seven cohorts, 29 local people took the opportunity to learn about careers in construction and gained hands-on experience on our site. Nine individuals have already secured employment.

Funding was provided by West Midlands Combined Authority and it was delivered in partnership with Solihull College and RMF Training.

Construction Training Hub learners had the opportunity to go behind the hoardings and learn valuable construction skills

Dan Doyle, director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“As a business with a rich history in the region, we are so pleased to have delivered the first phase of this development project for Kingshurst village centre.

“The regeneration will bring wide-ranging benefits for the local area and the net-zero carbon in operation homes will go a long way to increasing energy security and protecting residents from fuel poverty.”

Councillor Mark Parker, cabinet member for Housing, said:

“This is a real milestone for Kinghurst as the first phase of construction nears completion and we prepare to sign tenancies.

“It’s an exciting and important first step in delivering on a much wider scheme that will totally transform Kingshurst.

“It will also help to address the current shortfall of affordable housing and marks a significant initial contribution to the 78 new homes envisioned in the Kingshurst Masterplan.”