Thriving new communities could spring up along the region’s growing transport network, under innovative plans from West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.
The Mayor, whose 2040 Transport Plan is investing billions in new Metro, rail and rapid bus connections across the region, says the stations and stops on these routes make ideal places for new housing development.
If he is re-elected, he is pledging to launch a ‘transport focused’ housing policy which would identify and reclaim disused parcels of land next to train stations, Metro and bus stops.
He revealed the policy pledge while visiting MODA Living in Birmingham, who are developing New Garden Square - a 1,600-home community which will be served by the extension of the Metro to Five Ways.
Transport focused housing would:
· Search out disused parcels of land near transport stops for possible development.
· Compulsorily purchase land where it would help speed up development.
· Support the financial sustainability of the transport services in the long-term.
Andy said: “Our Transport network is growing all the time, and it makes sense to build some of the new homes we need along the routes, on disused parcels of land.
“It’s an idea that has worked in London, on the Elizabeth Line, and in places like Hong Kong, where quality homes and thriving communities have been built near new lines, giving people transport links right on their doorstep, connecting them to jobs, leisure, and the wider region.
“In the future, housing developments like these could even help fund the building of the transport links in the first place – it’s a very exciting idea.
“And, of course, it’s another way of ensuring development is on disused land, helping protect the Green Belt, while placing homes in more urban areas, supporting the High Street and local businesses.
“We are spending billions of pounds building new stations, extending the Metro and investing in buses, and this innovative approach to new homes helps spread the positive impact of that investment right around the region.
“MODA Living are showing just how this approach can be made to work, with 400 homes already under construction, and new shops, offices, cafes and restaurants, all on the Metro line.
“Nothing matters more to young people than where they are going to live, so it’s encouraging that we’ve been able to quicken the pace of home building across the West Midlands. Ideas like this will help even more residents get a new home.”
Andy said a notorious eyesore in Dudley would be another site to be developed, thanks to the arrival of the Metro.
He said: “Portersfield in Dudley is the development on the former Cavendish House site, which will be brought to life by the new Metro extension which will open later this year.
“The tram connection will provide the impetus for new investment in housing and regeneration of this site and the wider town centre.”
Andy’s plans follow an ambitious pledge to triple the amount of Social Housing built in the region.