The long-term regeneration of Birmingham’s Ladywood Estate has taken a major step forward as St Joseph, part of the Berkeley Group, officially signed a Development Agreement with Birmingham City Council to transform the estate over the next two decades.

The agreement confirms that at least 70% of existing homes on the estate will either be refurbished or replaced with new homes in a single move, helping to minimise disruption for residents. The project, which is one of the most ambitious urban regeneration schemes in the city’s history, will also deliver a substantial number of new homes of all tenures to help address Birmingham’s acute housing shortage.

As part of the deal, there is a commitment to provide a minimum of 20% affordable housing, with a focus on minimising the demolition of existing properties and reducing the need to acquire privately owned homes.

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Work on site is not expected to begin until at least 2028, but immediate efforts will focus on community engagement and masterplan design, with local residents at the heart of the planning process. This includes the formation of a Residents’ Steering Group and the launch of a Resident & Community Charter, a formal promise outlining how the Council and St Joseph will work collaboratively with the community throughout the life of the project.

The Powered by People engagement approach adopted by the Council ensures that local voices help shape the estate’s future. A series of community information sessions will be held in June, giving residents the chance to meet the development team, ask questions, and begin contributing to the estate’s transformation. Engagement will also extend to faith groups, schools, and other local organisations.

The regeneration will aim to ensure the estate is fit for the future, with improved energy-efficient housing, enhanced green spaces, and upgraded transport connectivity. It also promises significant economic benefits, including the creation of 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships over the course of the project.

Under the partnership, Birmingham City Council retains responsibility for housing and resident services, while St Joseph will lead on the design and construction of new homes, infrastructure and public spaces.