Blakenhall Gardens Redevelopment up for Regeneration and Renewal Award 2012

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Environment

A mixed use regeneration scheme that has transformed a wide and diverse community in Blakenhall is in line for a top award.

The joint entry between Wolverhampton City Council & Keepmoat has been shortlisted in the Mixed-use Development Award at the coveted Regeneration and Renewal Awards for its work in helping to regenerate Blakenhall Gardens.

The sustainable development included replacing six high-rise multi-storey tower blocks with more than 100 new homes, and new retail facilities delivered by Keepmoat. The project also includes a combined infant and junior school and healthy living centre, delivered by Thomas Vale Construction. Also included in the scheme was a car park and outdoor recreation area.

Paul Degg, New Build Managing Director at Keepmoat, said: “We’re delighted that ourselves and Wolverhampton City Council have been shortlisted for the award. Keepmoat has taken great pride in helping transform this area into a sustainable community. Blakenhall is an area with huge potential, which was only realised through a partnership with the Council and the local Community including ABCD (All Saints and Blakenhall Community Development) and we hope our scheme has helped people realise that.

“We always want to create a sustainable future for the areas which we develop and we are pleased that this commitment is being recognised in Blakenhall.”

Plans forBlakenhallGardens began over ten years ago, when Wolverhampton City Council in partnership with ABCD began consulting with local people on its Master plan to bring new homes, better education facilities and community services to the area.

The project began with the demolition of the six tower-blocks, the old school buildings and a public house, replacing them with new homes, a new school and a healthy living and community centre.

The plans have helped transform the public perception of the Blakenhall area, which was once physically run-down and a hotspot of anti-social behaviour and had a high crime rate. This project with all its partners is helping to reverse that trend.

The scheme has already achieved many prestigious awards, with the school building having scooped the 2010 RIBA Sorrell Foundation Schools Award, BCSE Sustainable School of the Year 2010 as well as the new building being awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

The Regeneration and Renewal Awards 2012 will take place later on in the year.