City of Wolverhampton Council has appointed Wavensmere Homes as its new preferred developer to build more than 500 homes in the Canalside South scheme.
The selection, approved by the council’s cabinet in July, follows the initial preferred developer, Legal & General Modular Homes, closing its modular homes production factory in May.
L&G Modular Homes had been appointed to the 17-acre waterfront development in September 2022.
The council has now finalised heads of terms and entered into an exclusivity agreement with Wavensmere to develop the former industrial site, subject to planning approval.
The site comprises the Canal & River Trust-owned former Crane Foundry and the council’s former British Steel premises and its land off Qualcast Road – brought together to ensure a comprehensive development takes place. It includes frontage onto the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal.
Wavensmere Homes’ plans are for 384 two- and three-bedroom townhouses and 140 one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as 7,000 sq ft of lettable commercial space.
Glancy Nicholls Architects and RPS have been appointed to draw up the plans, which will be published for public consultation in early 2024.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Canalside South will be the catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living, which is vital to see the ‘Wolverhampton Pound’ spent locally. This scheme will open up a new walkway to the city core, reducing the previous walking time by 20 minutes and igniting investment in a commercial corridor.
“Some 70% of our existing supply chain is embedded into the Black Country, and the construction programme will create more than 100 jobs for local people. We are delighted with the collaborative way that all land partners and stakeholders are working at pace to deliver change and reanimate this strategic stretch of canalside land.”
City of Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins said: “Through our Canalside Delivery Partnership with the Canal & River Trust, we remain determined to bring back to life our brownfield sites on Wolverhampton’s canal network, which will in turn boost footfall in our city centre.
“We are confident that Wavensmere Homes will bring about a nationally significant development on what is one of the most historic stretches of canal in the country. It will enable our residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities and health and wellbeing opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.”
Avison Young has supported the marketing of the site.
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