City of Wolverhampton Council's housing strategy has received a major boost with high levels of interest from developers in the former Armitage Shanks Tap Works Factory site.

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The ambitious scheme to erect more than 100 homes on 3 derelict sites in Low Hill was first marketed in March.

Seven expressions of interest were submitted, which have produced a shortlist of 4 developers invited to tender.

It is another example of the council attracting strong private investment in Wolverhampton, following hot on the heels of interest from a large number of the UK's leading developers and investors in the multi million pound Westside opportunity.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: "This level of interest from developers shows the council's approach to meeting the demand for housing and regenerating Wolverhampton is getting results.

"This project will give the Low Hill area a major boost and the proposals have been warmly welcomed by the Hawksford Residents and Tenants Association.

"As part of regeneration plans for Wolverhampton, our aim is to see 10,000 new homes built in the city by 2026.

"We hope to further tap into this strong interest from developers when we market further development opportunities at Heath Town and the former Tower and Fort Works site in the coming months."

The Armitage Shanks Tap Works factory on Showell Road closed its doors in 2007 and has since been demolished.

The council hopes to appoint a development partner in the summer to build a mix of high quality council homes for rent and private homes for sale on the site, as well as on land on Fifth Avenue and Broome Road.

Work could start on site by autumn 2016, with a view to the council units being completed within 2 years, followed by completion of the market housing.

The project will comprise a mixture of 1, 2 and 4 bedroom properties; consisting of flats, houses and bungalows.

The development at Fifth Avenue will also include 2 wheelchair accessible family sized bungalows, which are already under construction, as well as a specialist supported housing scheme for people with mental health needs, which will be staffed at all times.

The council has secured a Local Development Order (LDO) meaning the preferred development partner will only have to submit full details of the proposed new homes to the council for approval.

  • released: Monday 9 May, 2016