Pictured above: On Site at Crocodile Works (L-R) Paul
Spooner, regional director, Homes and Communities Agency; Pat
Ritchie, chief executive, HCA; Carl Larter, director for new
business, Midland Heart; Elaine Elkington, strategic director for
housing and communities, Birmingham City Council and Richard
Cornes, partnerships director, William Davis Ltd
Crocodile Works, one of Birmingham's largest regeneration
projects was paid a special visit recently by Homes and Communities
Agency (HCA) chief executive, Pat Ritchie during a three site tour
of affordable housing developments which are rejuvenating Newtown,
one of the most neglected areas of the city.
The £17m partnership project between Loughborough-based
contractor and developer William Davis Ltd and housing regeneration
group, Midland Heart has seen a former machete factory transformed
into 126 one, two and three bedroom apartments and 42 three, four
and five bedroom houses. With £6.7m funding from the HCA and
£5.1m from Urban Living, Crocodile Works will, when complete,
be one of the most inspirational housing schemes in the area.
Speaking on her visit, Pat Ritchie said: "Newtown is a great
example of strong partnerships delivering regeneration in tough
economic times. Through joint investment by the HCA, City
Council and Urban Living the success of schemes such as Crocodile
Works has generated good momentum in the area and confidence in the
market."
Richard Cornes, partnerships director, William Davis Ltd said:
"Crocodile Works is a fantastic project and is a true testament to
partnership working, innovative design and the common goal of
providing affordable housing in some of the most disadvantaged
areas of the country.
"This part of Newton is rich in heritage and as such it is
extremely rewarding to see new life being breathed back into the
area to revitalise what was once a vibrant and successful part of
the town."
Crocodile Works will be completed in Spring 2011 and forms the
first phase of a Pathfinder Housing Market Renewal programme,
spearheading further redevelopment in the area.