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01/07/2004
£80m scheme set to tackle West Midland housing problems
Areas of low housing demand and housing abandonment in the West Midlands are to be targeted for regeneration under a £80 million government grant announced today.
It is hoped that the investment will help to reverse the spiral of social and economic decline that has driven residents away from areas and create thriving, sustainable communities, where people want to live, Jeff Rooker, Regeneration Minister in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said.
Over the next two years, 700 obsolete homes will be demolished and around 2,000 refurbished under the plans. Up to 300 empty homes will be bought over and 200 acres have also been set aside for redevelopment or green space.
The scheme will also see housing management for 20,000 homes including the introduction of neighbourhood wardens, environmental improvements and improved access to green spaces.
The money will be shared between 'Urban Living', the Birmingham Sandwell market renewal pathfinder programme, which will receive £50 million, and 'Renew North Staffordshire', which will receive £30 million.
Mr Rooker said: "For some years, these areas have suffered from weak housing markets and associated social problems. Our funding will start to turn this around by providing high-quality housing in a safe environment, with access to good local services and green spaces. These are vital in creating thriving communities and attracting new residents and new business.
"Decent housing is the foundation upon which thriving neighbourhoods are built. It is an important part of ensuring everyone in the Midlands has a home they can be proud of, in an area they want to live in."
(gmcg)
It is hoped that the investment will help to reverse the spiral of social and economic decline that has driven residents away from areas and create thriving, sustainable communities, where people want to live, Jeff Rooker, Regeneration Minister in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said.
Over the next two years, 700 obsolete homes will be demolished and around 2,000 refurbished under the plans. Up to 300 empty homes will be bought over and 200 acres have also been set aside for redevelopment or green space.
The scheme will also see housing management for 20,000 homes including the introduction of neighbourhood wardens, environmental improvements and improved access to green spaces.
The money will be shared between 'Urban Living', the Birmingham Sandwell market renewal pathfinder programme, which will receive £50 million, and 'Renew North Staffordshire', which will receive £30 million.
Mr Rooker said: "For some years, these areas have suffered from weak housing markets and associated social problems. Our funding will start to turn this around by providing high-quality housing in a safe environment, with access to good local services and green spaces. These are vital in creating thriving communities and attracting new residents and new business.
"Decent housing is the foundation upon which thriving neighbourhoods are built. It is an important part of ensuring everyone in the Midlands has a home they can be proud of, in an area they want to live in."
(gmcg)
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