Construction work has started on a new development in Birmingham, set to bring 778 homes to the city, alongside community facilities.

Directors from leading developer Barratt Homes alongside Sir Ed Lister Chairman of Homes England, Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods and Richard Cowell, Assistant Director of Development at Birmingham City Council, were on hand to officially cut the sod at B5 Central on Bristol Street.

The development on Bristol Road will deliver one and two bedroom apartments as well as three and four bedroom family homes and will bring significant investment to the area. Over 1,500 local jobs will be underpinned by the development process, as the housebuilder predominately employs local sub-contractors and tradesmen.

As well as new homes, B5 Central will bring open spaces and parks, community facilities, play areas, retail outlets as well as a gym and cycle hub.

John Fitzgerald, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Mercia, said:

“B5 Central is an exciting development for Birmingham, which will deliver much-needed housing in the form of apartments and larger family homes. As a leading developer we want to deliver the very best scheme for this important location and we pride ourselves on our commitment to the local community.

“We are delighted to be starting work on B5 Central and look forward to seeing the development take shape from now on.”

Sir Ed Lister, Chairman at Homes England, said:

“These quality homes will really illustrate Homes England’s ability to tackle long-term housing challenges and help more people access better homes in areas where they are most needed.

“We are working closely with partners to enhance public open space in the city, making it more user friendly for the local community.”

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said:

“When faced with a national housing shortage, developments like B5 Central are a fantastic example of how we need to be thinking more broadly, and not just building houses but communities.

“Housing has a proven impact on people's physical health, mental health, on their educational attainment as well as many other aspects of people’s lives. Therefore the quality of the building and the surrounding infrastructure and amenities of the local area are paramount. This scheme has taken all of this into consideration and so I am thrilled to be able to support the project.”

For more information please call the sales information line on 0844 811 9988 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/b5central.