Local councillor for Shard End Ward and the Tile Cross area Cllr Marje Bridle had an exclusive tour of the scheme on Sheldon Hall Avenue to witness progress and see how the scheme will transform the area once complete.

The £8.2 million scheme developed by Midland Heart and Westleigh Homes will transform the site into 64, two, three and four bedroom properties for affordable rent and purchase through shared ownership.

“The waiting list for new homes is growing, especially the demand for affordable homes not far from the city centre,” says Councillor Bridle. “We have hundreds of families and first time buyers within the local area who are desperate to secure a home and get their first step on the housing ladder. The development on Sheldon Hall Avenue will help ease the area’s housing needs and we have been impressed with both the quality and speed at which the new homes are being built.”

Phase one of the scheme is due for completion in June with the remaining homes on staggered release from June to October 2018. Funded by a £1.86 million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency with additional finance from Midland Heart, the organisation’s director of development Chris Miller says sites such as Sheldon Hall Avenue are the key to developing more affordable homes.

“Housing organisations are having to think more creatively about the sites they purchase for building due to the reduced number of brownfield sites available, especially close to city centres,” says Chris. “Schemes like Sheldon Hall Avenue are essential to keep the housing market moving, providing much sought after city living accommodation with good transport links. We are delighted with the progress to date and the feedback we have received from the local councillors who understand the pressures of providing new, affordable homes to the area.”