Work restarts on community-owned development in Stirchley

Construction works have resumed for a community-owned development which will provide 39 new homes and three retail units in the heart of Stirchley, South Birmingham, following a change of contractor.

Works temporarily paused for the development located on the junction of Pershore and Hunts Road following Tricas Construction, the building contractor appointed for the project, entering into liquidation earlier this year.

The £10.4 million development which will be owned and managed by Stirchley Co-operative Development (SCD) will provide:

• 39 affordable rental homes with laundries and common garden spaces.
• Fit-for-purpose premises for three existing co-operative businesses that are currently renting privately in Stirchley.
• A new community space including a pedestrian walkway, seating, a shared garden and cycle parking.

Our inhouse construction team took over the contract for SCD’s development in April 2024.

David Norris, our Head of Construction Services said: “We are delighted to be working on this innovative development which helps to address housing need in Stirchley. We have played a supportive role in this project to date, so it feels like a natural step forward for us to be taking on the build.

“This community-led project is setting an example for others to follow in the provision of affordable and energy-efficient homes.”

The SCD scheme on Pershore Road, is being built using timber frame panels, provided by Walsall-based LoCaL Homes, which will reduce the overall carbon dioxide emissions and heating bills versus traditional built properties due to its fabric first design principles and high-quality factory-fitted insulation.

Mike Doolan, Sales and Partnership Manager at LoCaL Homes said: "We are excited to be part of this innovative development which will help to meet local housing need and pleased that construction has resumed.

“Our off-site manufactured timber frames will help speed up construction times and reduce the environmental impact of this development."

The project plans were unanimously approved by Birmingham City Council in 2021, and SCD purchased the site from Seven Capital in August 2022 after securing significant funding from Homes England and the European Interreg NWE. Construction of the three-storey development began last Summer.

Founded in 2016, SCD is made up of members from two local housing co-operatives and three much loved local businesses, including a bakery and cookery school, an art space and café, and a bicycle repair shop. The not-for-profit, mixed-use development has received project support from GSA and substantial financial support from Homes England, Power to Change and Interreg NWE CHARM.

Sam Nordland, a founder member of SCD who will be living in the development once completed said: “I was relieved to see construction restarting on site again and to be able to share this good news with my local network. It's inevitable there are hurdles that blindside us from time to time but we're always working together to overcome them and a big thanks to GSA for their help in getting us back on track.”

SCD’s scheme has been welcomed by the Stirchley community, with the planning application receiving over 300 positive recommendations, including from local business owners, community leaders and elected officials.

Cllr Mary Locke who represents Stirchley ward on Birmingham City Council said: “I know I speak for many Stirchley residents when I say I am pleased that construction has resumed at SCD’s innovative project on Pershore Road and I am grateful to GSA for stepping in. The members of SCD have shown remarkable resilience to get to this stage of construction.

“Once complete, the development will not only provide much-needed, energy efficient social homes but will provide an example for other housing co-operatives to follow.”

As the site is close to public transport, cycle routes and parks, it will include over 100 secure

bike parking spaces donated by the Commonwealth Games organisers and car ownership will be restricted through membership agreements.

For further information about the co-operative housing development, visit Stirchley Co-op.