A major housing estate is set to be built on the site of a Birmingham hospital due to relocate to a brand new facility. Homes England has now opened a consultation into its plans for City Hospital in Dudley Road, Ladywood, which could accommodate more than 800 houses and apartments.
It was announced last week that the £650 million Midland Metropolitan University Hospital would open in spring 2024, six years later than planned after the project was dogged by delays, linked in large part to the collapse of previous contractor Carillion in January 2018. The majority of services currently operated at City Hospital will move to the Midland Metro in nearby Grove Lane, Smethwick, therefore releasing a large section of the site, known as 'City Hospital West', for redevelopment.
Homes England, the Government's housing and regeneration agency, is preparing an outline planning application to regenerate this surplus land with a brand new neighbourhood containing up to 825 houses and apartments.
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It said the project would include units for first-time buyers, families, downsizers and affordable housing alongside open spaces and views to the canal for the first time. The housing will be within walking distance of the Soho Benson Road tram stop while bus, cycle and pedestrian links are due to be upgraded as part of the Dudley Road Improvement Scheme.
Homes England said the proposals would "sit comfortably" alongside the continued delivery of healthcare services from the Birmingham Treatment Centre and skin and eye hospitals, which are remaining on the development site, and would complement the NHS trust's plans for its retained land. This is the latest major housing estate to be brought forward in the Ladywood district, with work well under way on the Soho Wharf scheme directly opposite City Hospital while the first phases of Port Loop further east along the canal have been completed.
Abby Brough, head of planning and enabling at Homes England, said: "Homes England is working closely with partners and local stakeholders to develop a masterplan which benefits the existing community and respects the history of this site. City Hospital West is entering a new era and our aim is to ensure the site continues to play an active role in the local community for generations to come.
"We are inviting members of the community to have their say on the plans and help us shape the future of this important space."
- A public exhibition showcasing the proposals will run from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday July 19 at Aberdeen Street Church of God of Prophecy next to City Hospital. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions. The plans can also be seen and feedback submitted online here
