Up to 12,000 homes planned for Ladywood regeneration
More than 40,000 jobs could be created as part of a proposed £2.5bn regeneration scheme for Birmingham’s Ladywood area, the city council says.
Up to 12,000 new homes are now planned for the 146-acre Ladywood Estate, with work on the project expected to take up to 20 years to be fully complete.
In a joint statement this week, the developer Berkeley St Joseph and Birmingham City Council said an initial masterplan for the area is currently being drawn up as part of a phase two consultation exercise, following a series of initial community engagement events over the summer.
A hybrid planning application is expected to be submitted in 2026, while work is not due to start on site until 2028, at the earliest.
Berkeley signed an agreement with the local authority in April for what it describes as the city’s most significant housing regeneration and redevelopment opportunity in a generation.
“This project is an incredible opportunity to transform living standards for the Ladywood community while delivering much-needed new homes, jobs and growth in the heart of Birmingham,” said Rob Perrins, Berkeley Group chair.
“This is one of Europe’s single biggest urban regeneration sites with the potential to deliver 10% of the city’s entire housing need up to 2044. Berkeley St Joseph is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority to secure the vital central government support we need to kickstart delivery.”
Of the homes to be built, at least 20% will be affordable housing, while the council says the number of existing council homes on the estate will be maintained, and all will either be renewed or replaced.
Residents affected by the redevelopment will also receive support from Planning Aid England, who will provide technical advice to residents to help them contribute to the masterplan.
“The community in Ladywood have been very clear about the need for increased help and support, and I am pleased to see the progress being made to provide this,” said Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills.
“Ladywood represents a bold vision for Birmingham’s future. This partnership is not just about building homes—it’s about building opportunity, community, and prosperity for generations to come.”
In a draft local plan document released last year, the authority said a potential regeneration of Ladywood could also include two new schools, remodelled open space, and improved access and crossing points to the canal which would be facilitated by new canal side development.
Up to 41,000 jobs are expected to be created by the development, as well as 1,000 apprenticeships, and a skills centre to support local employment and training.
Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands, added: “The regeneration of Ladywood means thousands of extra homes for local people at a time when our region, like many others, is facing an acute housing shortage.
“But it will also see existing council homes brought up to modern standards. That means safe homes that will be cheaper to heat and improve the quality of life of families who live in them.”
Further information on the next phase of consultations for the scheme is set to be released over the next few weeks.
