Midlands developer Morro Partnerships has reached a significant milestone at its Swan Lane development in Sandwell, with the first keys now being handed over to residents. The project, which is transforming a former gas works site in West Bromwich, is on schedule to be completed before the end of the year.

The regeneration scheme is being delivered in partnership with GreenSquareAccord (GSA) and will provide 147 high-quality affordable homes. Currently at the halfway stage, the development has already been recognised for its community contributions, winning the social impact award at last year's Insider Media Midlands Residential Property Awards.

Abdul Mozzamdar, head of social purpose at Morro Partnerships, said: "Reaching the stage where homes are now being handed over is a significant milestone for Swan Lane. It reflects the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this complex brownfield site forward and delivering high-quality homes for the community.

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"What's particularly important is that this progress is being matched by meaningful social value, supporting local people through apprenticeships, skills development, education and community initiatives. Swan Lane shows how regeneration projects can deliver not just homes, but long-term opportunity and impact for local communities."

The project has generated over £305,000 in social value through various initiatives. This includes the hiring of five apprentices from within a 30-mile radius, alongside T Level and higher-level apprenticeship provisions. Educational outreach has also been a priority, with 60 students attending site visits and 737 hours dedicated to career mentoring and school engagement.

Community support has extended to local organisations such as the homelessness charity Chapter House, which received donations of furnishings and equipment, as well as volunteering support. On the environmental front, Morro has maintained a 100% waste recycling rate, diverting more than 90 tonnes of hard-to-recycle material from landfill.

The importance of the project was recently highlighted during a visit from the Mayor of the West Midlands, who met with stakeholders to discuss the scheme's role in regional growth and skills development.

Carl Taylor, assistant director of new business at GSA, said: "We are delighted to have welcomed our first customers to Swan Lane. This brownfield site has been unlocked through partnership working, transforming disused industrial land into a thriving community of new homes.

"Our Swan Lane scheme meets a variety of local housing needs by providing 41 two- and 24 three-bedroom houses, along with 17 one- and 65 two-bedroom apartments."

Morro Partnerships is applying similar community-focused strategies at other sites, including the Yardley Brook development in Birmingham, where the Construction Gateway initiative is helping local people secure employment within the industry.