Keepmoat partners with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands.
In March, a ground-breaking Deeper Devolution Deal was secured between WMCA and Central Government, giving WMCA wide-ranging new powers and additional funding over €1.75b to level up the West Midlands.
The memorandum of understanding between Keepmoat and WMCA supports the Combined Authority’s wider aim of creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous West Midlands, which is in line with Keepmoat's commitments to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites and to increase their housebuilding by 50% across the West Midlands.
At least 70% of the workforce needed to deliver the homes will be employed from within a 30-mile radius while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible.
Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair for Keepmoat West Midlands & East Midlands, commented: “We are delighted that we have been named as a strategic partner of the WMCA and that our work in the region continues to go from strength to strength. As part of our development work with WMCA, we’re already building a minimum of 1,000 new homes at price points that are accessible to people including first-time buyers. Building sustainable communities is also a core value at Keepmoat. Working as a strategic partner of WMCA, we are actively pursuing net zero carbon developments, with schemes incorporating climate adaptation measures that respond to the short and long-term impact of climate change. These zero carbon standards go above and beyond the 2025 Future Homes Standards and help contribute to WM2041.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority said: “The West Midlands has been incredibly successful in recent years at regenerating old brownfield sites to build new, affordable homes – so much so that we are currently on track to meet our ambitious 2031 housing target. However now is the time to double down on our success – not ease off – and so I am delighted we have been able to sign this deal with Keepmoat that will see even more homes, jobs, and investment come to the region. Working together with Keepmoat we will breathe life into derelict brownfield sites, helping to protect our precious greenbelt while providing affordable, energy-efficient, good quality homes and jobs for local people.”
Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for housing and land and leader of Solihull Council, added: “Keepmoat is the latest Strategic Partner who we have signed an MoU with – progressive developers and investors who share our vision of a more sustainable West Midlands where people have the opportunity of a decent job and a good quality, affordable home. The commitment to use derelict industrial sites for eco-friendly, energy-efficient housing is exactly the sort of future-looking approach our region needs. Not only does this help protect our precious greenbelt while creating high quality and sustainable communities, it also boosts the local economy and supports the wellbeing of residents.”
