Council poised to agree land transfer for 400-home development in partnership with Willmott Dixon and WM Housing Group

Birmingham City Council’s plans to build up to 400 market-rent homes in partnership with Willmott Dixon are due to take a further step forward next week.

A meeting of the authority’s cabinet is being advised to approve the disposal of the city’s freehold interest in the 4.3 hectare site at St Lukes, Highgate, to the Birmingham Residential Development Partnership or a subsidiary.

WM Housing Group is also a partner in the development and will manage the new properties and park proposed for the site.

John Lines, Birmingham’s cabinet member for housing, said the mix of private-sector funding and public land was an innovative way to bring forward much-needed new homes at the site, which is a largely cleared former estate.

“For a long time Highgate has been recognised as a priority for the council, but before now it has not been possible to begin redevelopment following the clearance of poor quality homes,” he said.

“I’m delighted that we are now able to provide the key to unlock the development area through working with the Birmingham Residential Development Partnership.”

Monday’s meeting also seeks permission to cease lettings for a handful of remaining properies and rehouse residents before demolition notices are served.

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