Work on a £26 million development bringing hundreds of new homes to Sandwell is now underway.

Sandwell Council, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, has teamed up with housing partners Barratt Homes to build 227 properties on the Windmill Eye development in Smethwick.

The new housing scheme is part of the Windmill Eye Neighbourhood Plan, which was developed in consultation with local residents, businesses, councillors and schoolchildren as well as representatives from organisations such as the NHS Trust and British Waterways.


The Plan includes ambitious plans for the Windmill Eye area which will:

• build new houses, bungalows and apartments on vacant sites

• improve existing houses, flats, and bungalows

• boost the estate's environment by improving open spaces and play areas, and creating new ones

• improve existing shops and services and provide new ones to meet local needs

• support local training and employment needs

Work on the new housing scheme started in spring 2013 and will provide high quality new homes, including more than 40 per cent affordable housing, on Messenger Road, the Crofts and Unett Street. The 76 affordable housing proprieties and five shared ownership homes will be managed by Jephson Housing Association Ltd.

Councillor Darren Cooper, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: "It is great to see this scheme underway. We have a clear vision that Windmill Eye will be a prosperous family neighbourhood with safe places to play and work. These new homes play a key part of making that vision a reality."

(CD/MH)