Birmingham City Council has been awarded £100 million in Housing PFI credits by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which will be used to regenerate the Lyndhurst estate and surrounding areas of Erdington.

Following a period of intensive consultation and planning with local councillors and the community, the scheme is set to deliver up to 600 new homes, including new council housing and homes for shared ownership and outright sale.

Overall a total of 290 properties have already been demolished across the various sites to prepare for the development of new homes with an additional 275 properties requiring demolition over the next 2 years.

A new neighbourhood park with play facilities is also planned, alongside youth centres and a new health centre. Improved access to rail network and public transport will also be provided.

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Training and employment opportunities will be created as part of a Modern Apprenticeships programme to help young people secure careers in construction. A focused training programme which will provide skills and schooling across a range of careers will also be launched.

In addition to the new build proposals, the council will refurbish over 600 retained council homes, to a level over and above the Decent Homes standard required by 2010. These works will include new kitchens and bathrooms and environmental works.

Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "This is a fantastic boost to the city. The £100 million PFI credits will help meet the housing needs of the people of Lyndhurst and surrounding areas and ensure that this area of the city becomes a flagship regeneration scheme of which residents can be rightly proud.

"This area has long been recognised as a priority for the Council and I'm delighted that we are one step closer to enabling our people’s aspirations for a transformed, safe, high quality area to be realised. I'm grateful for the support of local councillors and the community in pushing progress forward."

The City Council will continue to consult with residents and work closely with the Homes and Communities agency on these proposals, over the coming months.

(CD/KMcA)