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REGIONAL MINISTER LAUNCHES WATERFRONT SOUTH HOMES AT WALSALL THANKS TO £8.7M GRANT - 8 February 2010
The Regional Minister for the West Midlands Ian Austin MP launched building work on a new homes development at Walsall’s Waterfront today to begin its transformation as a dynamic canalside quarter.
The 158 homes will be built by local developer Jessup following an £8.7 million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Kickstart programme to unblock projects stalled by the economic downturn.
The homes are due to be completed by March 2011as the first phase of the Waterfront South scheme and includes 23 affordable rented properties for Accord Housing Association. This £15 million phase also includes office and retail space which is expected to create 200 jobs. The second phase will deliver a further 164 homes.
Mr Austin told guests at the launch: “I am delighted to be at Waterfront South to celebrate the start of work on over 150 new homes for local people. This has only been possible because the government decided to increase spending to get Britain through the downturn, keep the economy moving and save jobs in the construction industry.
“Waterfront South is a tangible example of the success of this Government programme - helping to build the homes families need, supporting the construction industry, and crucially creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people."
Children from Birchills Primary School presented Mr Austin with a time capsule of their thoughts and drawings on life in Walsall which will be buried at the site.
Clive Jessup, chief executive of Jessup Build Develop, held a reception at the nearby New Art Gallery to thank the organisations involved in making the development a reality, including the Homes and Communities Agency, Walsall Regeneration Company, Walsall Council, and Advantage West Midlands.
Clive said: “We are specialists in social and affordable housing and we are confident of delivering a scheme Walsall can be proud of at this key regeneration site. We will also upgrade the existing canal towpath and provide a new boulevard and canal bridge which will create a safe, cleaner and pleasant walk from the town centre to the new Manor Hospital..
Brian Lowe, chairman of Walsall Regeneration Company, said: “This exciting scheme is the first stage of realising the vision of Waterfront as a vibrant new homes, business and leisure quarter. This high quality accommodation will show what can be achieved by the private and public sector working together for a better Walsall.”
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “All the partners have worked hard to make this project a reality. It will breathe new life into an area alongside the canal which has been derelict for several years. It will also add to the other improvements already under way nearby, including the new Manor Hospital and other major regeneration projects, which are designed to make Walsall a great place to live, work and visit.”
Lindsey Richards, Head of Placemaking for the Homes and Communities Agency, West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Kickstart of the Walsall Waterfront scheme - it is a boost for the town and great news for its residents. This significant step will create both vibrant and attractive homes and offer employment and training opportunities for local people, as well as working towards a longer term vision for the Waterfront as a thriving hub for resident and business communities.”
Ends
Caption: From left Assad Hamed (Homes and Communities Agency), Councillor Adrian Andrew (Walsall Council), Clive Jessup (Jessup Build Develop), Regional Minister Ian Austin MP and Brian Lowe (Walsall Regeneration Company) are pictured with children from Birchills School and the time capsule.