Birmingham and Solihull Win Growth Point Status
A joint bid by Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for funding to boost housing growth and regeneration has been successful.
Minister for Housing and Planning Yvette Cooper today announced that Birmingham and Solihull would be named a “New Growth Point” under the government’s Sustainable Communities plan. The initial phase of the plan saw four Growth Areas designated in the south-east, and earlier this year the government invited bids for additional areas with the potential to deliver accelerated growth.
The Birmingham and Solihull bid focuses on plans to revitalise local centres through new development – initially in East Birmingham and North Solihull - and deliver new quality housing in a wide variety of tenures to meet the diverse needs of the city’s growing population.
New Growth Point status brings funding of £4.2million into Birmingham and Solihull to bring forward sustainable house building projects, regenerate local centres and carry out further studies on delivering increased housing. The money will be provided in 2007/8 and in the longer run could lead to the allocation of more funds.
Councillor Ken Hardeman, Cabinet Member for Regeneration welcomed the announcement. He said, “Birmingham’s regeneration goes from strength to strength. We are committed to revitalising our local neighbourhoods, and designation as a New Growth Point will give us the opportunity to attract more people and investment. Linking housing and the jobs which will flow from new development is vital if we are to succeed.”
Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said, “Improving the quality and choice of housing in Birmingham is critical, both for attracting new residents to the city and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. To secure sustainable population growth and a strong economy it is vital that our city can offer attractive communities where people can live, work and spend their leisure time.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Regeneration for Solihull Council, said:
"This announcement of the extra funding for Solihull is great news. It will be used to bring forward the development of up to 200 new homes as part of our comprehensive regeneration of North Solihull, which will radically improve the range of home on offer in the area. Schools, transport and shopping areas will also improve under our programme over a fifteen year period, making North Solihull an even better place to live."
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