Willmott Dixon will deliver the first phase of a net-zero regeneration scheme in the West Midlands.
Kingshurst, in Solihull, is set to see construction of a social rented homes masterplan over several phases, led by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) and Solihull Community Housing (SCH).
Willmott’s appointment follows its demolition of the main shopping parade and enabling works for the new homes.
Some building has started, and groundworks are underway to reduce flood risk.
The wider masterplan includes sustainable housing and retail space, centred around a community health and wellness hub.
Willmott has been appointed to deliver the first 25 social rented homes in Kingshurst.
Local unemployment
A “Building Lives Academy”, designed to help tackle local unemployment, will be available on site, funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and in partnership with Solihull College.
The contractor is aiming to deliver £1.78 million in added social value.
“The regeneration will bring wide-ranging benefits for the local area and the net-zero carbon in operation homes will go a long way to increasing energy security and protecting residents from fuel poverty,” said Dan Doyle, director at Willmott Dixon.
“We are taking a sustainable, fabric-first approach for this development, using timber frames with a high air tightness score to keep the homes well insulated and extremely economical.
“Each property will work off air source heat pumps instead of gas, have windows with a low U-value for high thermal efficiency, be fitted with integrated PV and be designed to Secured by Design standard.”
Enjoyed this? Try Team selected for ‘clean-up’ of 17 nuclear sites in UK
Get industry news in 5 minutes!
A daily email that makes industry news enjoyable. It’s completely free.