People have moved in to the first council homes built in Wolverhampton for 30 years following completion of the first part of a £13.2 million development.

Type=image;ImageID=6103;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Cllr Peter Bilson, Chris King and Shane Robinson;TitleClass=strong;

The Birches development will have 120 new houses - 40 of which will be council homes. Wolverhampton City Council has invested £3.7 million in the scheme off Thompson Avenue, Willcock Road and Dixon Street. The 7 acre site will contain a range of properties, from bungalows to 4 bedroom homes. It is expected the whole project will be completed in 2017.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton's cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity, said: "The completion of the first part of this development and new tenants moving in is a real milestone. It demonstrates how we're continuing to regenerate the city - delivering new homes, business and retail sites.

"This is a top priority for the city council and it is important that decent and affordable housing is available. We look forward to welcoming more new residents in the coming weeks.

"Other sites across the city are now being primed for housing, from central areas like Tower and Fort Works and the former Sunbeam factory to surrounding communities like Bilston and Heath Town."

The development is being carried out by the city council with Kier Partnership Homes and will be managed by Wolverhampton Homes.

Chris King, managing director at Kier Partnership Homes, said: "In working with Wolverhampton City Council we have been able to demonstrate how, in partnership, a motivated local authority and experienced developer can deliver against identified needs for housing in a region. The homes at Thompson Avenue will provide high specification, modern and efficient homes for residents that underpin the council's desires to elevate provision in the city."

  • released: Wednesday 28 January, 2015