Developers aim to win trust of residents over estate’s £2bn renewal

DEVELOPERS preparing to transform Ladywood in a £2.2 billion project have spoken for the first time of their “excitement” at starting work with the community to create a masterplan for the area, after a two-year delay.

- JANE HAYNES News Reporter

St Joseph, part of Berkeley Homes, has just signed a development agreement with Birmingham City Council to build thousands of new properties on the long-neglected estate and nearby streets, while retaining its high rise tower blocks and some of the existing homes.

In an interview with The Birmingham Mail, the company’s senior officers said they were determined to “win the trust” of residents who had felt let down and frustrated by a lengthy delay that had caused confusion and anxiety.

“We are desperate to change that,” said Steve Kirwan, managing director of St Joseph. “This is a long-term vision, over 20 years, and we are here for the long haul, working in partnership.”

He also pledged that the scheme would now be more focussed on “renewal” than mass demolition.

The firm's Ladywood development director, Will Rimell, added: “We are committed to working closely with residents and to listen to their concerns and aspirations. That's the first step.”

The company was first announced as the preferred partner on the landmark scheme in 2023, unveiling a vision that showed the existing estate of around 2,000 mostly social homes becoming a new estate of 7,531 mostly privately-owned homes, with new schools, community facilities, business, retail and parks.