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Apprentices from FHM are pictured with David Rhead (HCA), James Manifold (FHM), Councillor John Lines and Elaine Elkington (Birmingham City Council) at Brooklea Grove in Kings Norton.
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Coleshill-based firm Frank Haslam Milan West Midlands, a Keepmoat delivery company has stepped up to the Government’s challenge of building more council homes, by laying the bricks to 79 new properties.
The leading community regeneration specialist has won a £6.8 million contract with Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust (BMHT) to deliver a range of residential dwellings at Brooklea Grove, Kings Norton and Drylea in Hodgehill, Birmingham.
The £2.9 million new housing scheme at Brooklea Grove will consist of a three-bed house complete with disabled adaptations, 22 two-bed houses, nine three-bed houses and 11 four-bed houses. All homes will be available to rent.
FHM has also secured a £2.5 million contract at Drylea to deliver nine four-bed houses, 18 two-bed houses and nine three-bed houses with disabled adaptations.
The works will be completed well ahead of the Government’s deadline and include associated car parking, external works, landscaping, drainage, rainwater harvesting and external services.
BMHT is leading the most ambitious programme of new council building Birmingham has seen in three decades.
The provision of new housing is a top priority for Birmingham City Council and there are plans to invest £8.3 million in the delivery of 129 new council homes by March 2011. An additional £6.8 million is also being invested by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to make Birmingham City Council the first council in the region to start delivering new council homes.
FHM’s contract win was celebrated in a formal launch ceremony attended by residents and Councillor John Lines, the Cabinet Member for Housing, at Brooklea Grove in Kings Norton.
FHM’s Site Manager Stefan Czajkowski, said: “This is a really significant contract as it marks the first delivery of council properties by Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust just one year after it was formed.
“The contract is also very significant for FHM and we hope it could lead on to other, similar projects in the years to come. We are also fully committed to creating new opportunities for young people and developing new skills with on the job training as part of this scheme.”
The new homes will showcase high design and environmental standards which will reduce running costs and energy bills for residents.
Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Minister for Housing, said: “I am proud to be leading our city’s housing, not only providing homes for people but also creating jobs.
“This is great news for Birmingham and particularly our economy and the local construction industry. Not only will the scheme create homes, but it will help create apprenticeships for young people.
“We are in a recession but that will not hinder our progress to deliver the affordable homes that this city needs.”
Paul Spooner, Regional Director of the HCA, said: “This is a real milestone for Birmingham and the HCA is delighted to be investing in the delivery of these much-needed affordable homes for the communities of Birmingham.”
Maureen Inger, Chair of the City Housing Liaison Board, added: “Tenants will welcome this wonderful start to the New Year. In these days of bad news, this development is a positive benefit to tenants and is providing homes for today and the future.”
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