‘New chapter’ begins at former Birmingham hospital
Vistry has kicked-off demolition work at the former City Hospital, four months after signing a land deal with Homes England which sealed the future of the site.
Outline plans for a 750-home scheme approved in 2023 included the demolition of the majority of former hospital buildings at the 32-acre Dudley Road site, described as one of the city’s largest brownfield redevelopment opportunities.
The decision drew a line under a long-running hospital relocation saga, which eventually saw all services transferred to the heavily-delayed Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick in 2024.
Detailed proposals for 698 homes were then given the thumbs up last year, while permission for the conversion of a historic former infirmary building into 52 apartments was approved by Birmingham City Council in January.
The initial phases of construction at the former City Hospital will include 154 affordable homes built on behalf of social housing provider Midland Heart, while Leaf Living will build out 101 homes for private rent.
Michael Moore, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said the scheme would transform a “challenging” brownfield site .
“We are thrilled to be joined by Midland Heart and Leaf Living to deliver new homes across multiple tenures at scale and pace, creating a vibrant, sustainable new community that will not only meet the housing needs of the area but will bring both regeneration and valuable investment into the city,” he said.
The initial phases will include the conversion of the historic infirmary, alongside 8,000 sq ft of commercial and community space. In total, the plans comprise 287 apartments and 363, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, supported by a new central public square, green corridors, cycle routes, pocket parks and seven play areas.
Specialist remediation work, including the removal of asbestos across the site, has been ongoing since December last year.
Chris Miller, Director of Development at Midland Heart, said: “This development will deliver much-needed, affordable family homes in a well-connected part of Birmingham, helping more people to put down roots in a high quality new neighbourhood.
“This scheme reflects our commitment to regenerating places and creating high quality homes that leave a positive, lasting legacy for the community.”
Construction work is expected to get under way in the second half of 2026, with the first homes due to complete in early 2027.
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