McAuliffe Group has started preparation work to transform a derelict steelworks site in Walsall to bring new homes to the borough.

The Lockside scheme based at the former Caparo Engineering works is a joint venture between developers Anthem Lovell LLP and Lovell, and a subsidiary of local housing association, walsall housing group (whg).

The development project is part of the wider plan to develop the Walsall to Wolverhampton growth corridor identified by the council and partners as an area for investment and regeneration. The council's ambition is to deliver up to 8000 new homes across the corridor on brownfield sites, supported by the West Midlands Housing Deal and other funding programmes over the next five years.


Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Regeneration, Walsall Council said: "This is major step forward and another piece of the jigsaw of regenerating our borough. This site in Birchills has been derelict for nearly a decade and with the intervention of the Mayor and Combined authority, working in partnership with Walsall Council, has led to the clean-up of the site and a partnership with WHG and Lovell to build over 250 homes, demonstrating our commitment to developing brown field land first. This multi-million pound investment is a huge boost to Birchills and the wider borough creating homes and jobs."

The plan includes demolition and extensive earthworks, which will prepare the site for housebuilding, due to commence in December 2020. The project is expected to take five years to complete, with the first homes anticipated to be ready in July 2021.