Plans to build 152 new council-owned homes in a massive £21.5m regeneration project by Tamworth Borough Council have taken a major step forward with the appointment of a developer.
The job of designing and building new housing estates at Tinkers Green in Wilnecote and the Kerria Centre in Amington has been awarded to housing and community regeneration specialist, Keepmoat Regeneration, part of the ENGIE Group, subject to contract.
In the biggest house building programme by Tamworth Borough Council since the 1970s, the project will see 136 houses, bungalows, flats and maisonettes being replaced with 152 new modern homes.
So far, the demolition of the Tinkers Green estate has been completed, with the knocking down of 100 properties, including seven outdated three and four-storey maisonette blocks. These will be replaced with 108 new homes fit for the 21st century, and an upgraded play area.
All residents of the Kerria Centre have now been re-housed and prior notification of the demolition work has been submitted to Tamworth Borough Council’s planning department. Demolition is expected to take place early next year with the knocking down of 36 flats contained within three and four-storey maisonettes. These will be replaced with 44 new homes. The five existing shops will be replaced by a supermarket retail store.
While outline planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of both sites, Keepmoat Regeneration is now in the process of finalising the design and layout of each area before submitting a detailed planning application to the council.
The tender includes a requirement for residents living near both sites to be consulted throughout the design and development process.
Martin Smithhurst, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Regeneraton, said: “The need for new affordable homes across the UK is well documented, so we are very excited to be part of the regeneration of Wilnecote and Amington.
“We are looking forward to working with our partners and local residents to create a community where people are proud to live, work and play.”
Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration, Cllr Steve Claymore, said: “The redevelopment of Tinkers Green and the Kerria is the biggest council housing programme in Tamworth for a generation and it gives us the opportunity to provide much-needed affordable homes that are fit for the 21st century.
“The appointment of a developer represents a significant step forward in the project and we are confident that Keepmoat Regeneration will deliver new housing estates that everyone living in the Wilnecote and Amington areas can be proud of.
“It is also pleasing to note that the demolition of Tinkers Green estate was carried out with minimum disruption to local residents. City Demolition Contractors received praise from the local community about their successful management of such a large-scale demolition. Hopefully it will be a similar case when the demolition of the Kerria buildings takes place.
“I look forward to seeing the designs for the new estates taking shape over the coming months.”
Although a community engagement project will get underway in due course, anyone who has any questions about the regeneration project in the meantime can contact the Housing Conditions and Supply Team on 01827 709709 or via email at housingconditions@tamworth.gov.uk.
The previously approved outline planning applications can be viewed via Tamworth Borough Council’s planning portal at www.tamworth.gov.uk/planning, using the application number 0110/2015 for Tinkers Green and 011/2015 for Kerria.
Contact Linda Ram on 01827 709571, mobile 07791 782802, or email Linda-ram@tamworth.gov.uk or Michelle Eldred on 01827 709572, or email Michelle-Eldred@tamworth.gov.uk.
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