Vistry and partners break ground on 177 affordable homes in Chelmsley Wood

Vistry was joined by representatives from Platform Housing Group, Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority to celebrate the start of work on 177 affordable homes at the former Simon Digby School site in Chelmsley Wood.

The 4.5-hectare site will be transformed into a new neighbourhood comprising one-bedroom maisonettes and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. All 177 homes will be owned and managed by Platform Housing Group, helping to meet local demand for affordable housing.

The development is being supported by a £3 million investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority. It will include a play area, nature trail and new public open space, while almost £2 million secured through Section 106 contributions will support local education, healthcare, transport, playing pitches, open space and biodiversity enhancements.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Too many families have spent too long waiting for a safe, affordable home.
“These 177 new social homes in Chelmsley Wood are another step towards putting that right, giving local people the security of a home and the foundation to build a better future.
“My priority is simple: build more genuinely affordable homes, help families out of temporary accommodation, and make sure people aren't priced out of their own communities.
“We unlocked a record 1,086 social rent homes last year and are getting spades in the ground at a faster rate than we’ve seen for many years. That’s how we’re going to tackle this region’s housing crisis.”

Fraser Hopes, Managing Director of Vistry South West Midlands, said: “Starting work at the former Simon Digby School site is an important milestone for Chelmsley Wood. Working with Platform Housing Group, Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are delivering 177 high-quality affordable homes while using timber frames manufactured off site to reduce embodied carbon and build more efficiently.”

Kate Ellison, Director of Growth and Innovation at Platform Housing Group, said: "We are delighted to see construction begin on this important development. These 177 affordable homes will provide high-quality, secure and affordable housing for individuals, couples and families, helping meet growing demand in Chelmsley Wood.
"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared ambition to create thriving communities. We look forward to seeing the development take shape and welcoming customers to their new homes in the future."