Birmingham City Council's Cabinet has approved £14 million funding which will be invested across neighbourhoods in North West Birmingham, to support regeneration projects up until March 2011.

Under the banner of the Urban Living Pathfinder programme, the funding - from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) - will support Birmingham City Council in delivering redevelopment projects in Newtown, Aston, Lozells, Birchfield and Soho.

Urban Living is a cross-local authority Pathfinder covering North West Birmingham and parts of Sandwell, funding interventions that address fragile housing market conditions in both areas. In Birmingham, it is tackling areas where housing issues include over-crowding, poor design and image.

-- Advertisement --

The Council has a long-term commitment to create thriving and vibrant communities, which will be achieved through driving forward a growing programme of housing, social and environmental regeneration initiatives and interventions involving full community engagement at all stages. One project that got underway in Spring this year is the redevelopment of the former Crocodile Works factory in Newtown, which will provide 168 new family homes.

Other programmes include the 'Newtown young design champions' - an interactive programme of events that aims to further involve younger people with planning their area, in association with the local secondary schools and the National Curriculum.

Peter Latchford, Urban Living Chairman, said: "Urban Living is pleased to continue to invest in North West Birmingham in the areas of greatest need and to complement the City Council's regeneration plans. Ultimately, we are there to support local people in continuing to make their neighbourhoods stronger, safer, and more attractive."

(CD/JM)