Cameron signs off on £13.8m Hagley scheme

Plans to convert Stoke-on-Trent’s modernist former library building into an 89-home residential block look set to be approved this week, as planners weigh up regeneration benefits for the city against the loss of a locally listed civic landmark.

The investment firm says it’s eyeing up an ‘active refurbishment programme’ after completing the purchase of Droicon Trading Estate in Rowley Regis.

With UK brewing now mostly carried out at motorway-friendly mega-sites, what happened to the historic estates left behind? Place takes a look at a sector that continues to throw up fascinating regeneration angles.

More than £500m could be spent improving council housing in the West Midlands city over the next five years – but rents could be set to rise by 4.8% at more than 20,000 council-owned homes as the authority bids to keep its refurbishment programme on track.

Groundwork and civil engineering contractor Caldwell Construction has formally entered insolvency proceedings, after filing an intention to call in administrators earlier this week.

The Birmingham-based developer has completed work a major redevelopment at Citygate Park for paper product manufacturer Task Consumer Products.

Government housing and regeneration agency Homes England has submitted the first formal applications for a planned new Midlands town.

Two hotels in the East Midlands used to house people awaiting decisions on asylum applications will not face enforcement action – despite their use being deemed in breach of allowed planning uses.

A scheme to convert a derelict former industrial premises into more than 200 apartments is set to go before city council planners next week, with a recommendation for approval.