Wavensmere Homes has submitted a planning application for the Canalside South development in Wolverhampton. The proposed project includes over 530 high EPC-rated homes, green spaces, and commercial amenities. The development aims to revitalize a c. 7-ha former industrial site located in the city centre.
The waterfront development opportunity includes the former Crane Foundry site owned by the Canal & River Trust, the Council’s former British Steel site, and land off Qualcast Road. Wavensmere Homes is proposing 378 two- and three-bedroom townhouses, 145 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a building of 10 co-living units. Additionally, plans for redeveloping disused railway arches into 1,338m2 of lettable commercial space have been submitted.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Following extensive consultation with local people, City of Wolverhampton Council, additional partners and stakeholders, we are thrilled to lodge our refined plans for Canalside South, which fully reflect the national significance of this special development opportunity.
Situated along one of the most historic stretches of canal in the country, these £150m plans introduce new green space, amenities, and a range of different housing typologies to the city. 54 houses and 80 apartments and co-living bedrooms will benefit from waterside views. This scheme is set to be the catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living, which is vital to see the Wolverhampton pound spent locally.
Our team has a strong history of regenerating vacant land in the Black Country and can confidently transform this site into a landmark development the whole region can be immensely proud of. 70% of our existing supply chain is local to the site, and the construction programme will create more than 100 jobs. We will continue to work alongside the Council and all stakeholders as these plans are considered.”
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Skills and Jobs, said: “We welcome this planning application from Wavensmere Homes for Canalside South, which is one of the largest city centre?residential development opportunities in the Midlands. Redevelopment of this prime site would enable our residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities, and health and well-being opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.
Bringing life back to redundant sites along our canal network is critical to boosting footfall into Wolverhampton city centre and part of our brownfield first strategy, fulfilling a key objective of our Canalside Delivery Partnership with the Canal & River Trust.”
Wavensmere Homes plans to future-proof the Canalside South site with electric-only heating systems, including air source heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging. The goal is to deliver around 1,000 sustainable homes as part of the Wolverhampton Canalside masterplan.
Andrew Chandler, Development Manager at the Canal & River Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with the City of Wolverhampton Council and Wavensmere Homes to bring forward this transformational high-quality canalside residential-led scheme which will deliver generous well-connected walkways and public open spaces. The plans are set to transform this derelict brownfield land, connecting more people to the canals and to its rich biodiversity.
Canalside South has the potential to influence the quality of future development around our canals. It will also demonstrate the positive impact that water has on those who live and use the waterways, encouraging more people to engage with their local canal and at the same time help support what we do as a charity and show that life really is better by water.”
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