Work to build 61 new homes in Bromsgrove has begun on the site of former council offices.

Bulldozers moved in on the almost 15,000sqm site on Bromsgrove’s Burcot Lane last week (commencing March 1), clearing the way for a high-quality, low-carbon development led by Bromsgrove District Council which has commissioned local construction company Speller Metcalfe Ltd.

Leader of Bromsgrove District Council Cllr Karen May said: “We’re delighted to have been able to bring this redevelopment to fruition. We recognise a genuine need for more affordable homes in the district and we knew that the site of the council’s former offices would provide an opportunity for us to build some.”

The development’s 18 houses, 39 flats, and four maisonettes will include 37 for private rent, 12 for social rent, six for shared ownership, and six for sale.

Speller Metcalfe’s Living Division Manager Mark Eaton said: “We are very pleased to see work start on this fantastic project which will bring much-needed, affordable and sustainable homes to the local area. As a Worcestershire-based contractor this is a brilliant opportunity for us to work with Bromsgrove District Council and our local supply chain to deliver more for the community – not only in terms of the much-needed affordable housing that will be provided, but also through the creation of jobs for local businesses and residents throughout the construction phase.”

The project is supported by a £1m Local Authority Accelerated Construction Programme grant from Homes England, and £610,000 from the Getting Building Fund via the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to enable key carbon- and energy bill-cutting features such as air source heat pumps and solar electricity.

Chief Executive of Worcestershire LEP Gary Woodman said: “Bromsgrove District Council has declared a climate emergency and aims to reduce carbon emissions and support the district to become carbon neutral. This development has been designed in line with this aspiration and made possible through funding of £610,000 from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, via the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

“The development includes a number of energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures including an air source heat pump heating system, removing the requirement for gas, and photovoltaic panels with battery storage to the houses, providing an 80% reduction in carbon emissions. This will also result in lower running costs for future residents, making the development a desirable place to live.”

The development site is just North of Bromsgrove town centre. It was earmarked for new homes in local plans when the council decided on a move to a multi-agency venue off the town’s High Street, as a part of an extensive town centre regeneration project. That move was completed in 2015, ending the site’s tenure since the 1970s as district council head offices, having been a teacher training college before that.

Pictured above

Artist's impressions of how the Burcot Lane development will look.