Developers have made first positive move in battle to win trust of local people ahead of 20 year regeneration project
Welcome to Ladywood(Image: Ben Perrin)
An at-risk community project in the heart of Ladywood is to move to a new home following the intervention of developers behind the area’s multi-billion pound redevelopment.
St Joseph is to invest ‘significant’ funds to upgrade a rundown former neighbourhood office into a new HQ for the Ladywood Community Project, which has supported the area for nearly four decades with free advice, financial and family support, and vital provisions.
The project was at risk of becoming homeless if, as feared, the city council closes its current premises in Ladywood Health and Community Centre.
Now that’s no longer an issue for the scheme after St Joseph stepped in.
READ MORE: Inside Birmingham tower block residents want ‘pulled down’ as they demand better living conditions
The 5,000 sq ft premises in Botany Walk will also become the on-site home for the developers’ project team during the first phase of regeneration, and be a hub for community workshops and meetings.
The former council neighbourhood office will be upgraded and a new flexible community space and other facilities created for events and other community activities.
St Joseph has leased the building from the council for a minimum of five years. A new permanent Community Hub will be built as part of regeneration works on the estate.
The former neighbourhood office in Ladywood, set for an upgrade
Birmingham City Council confirmed St Joseph as the development partner for the £2.2 billion Ladywood Estate regeneration project last week.
Over 20 years, the estate will be transformed, with thousands of new homes built. The landmark tower blocks will stay, undergoing refurbishment instead of coming down, while some of the existing homes will remain and the rest will be demolished.
READ MORE: Ladywood estate developers pledge ‘to win trust’ of residents in £2 billion project
A development agreement between the council and the developers was signed last week after a two year delay, receiving a mixed reception. Residents remain anxious for details about what is planned after months of uncertainty and anxiety.
Stephen Kirwan, Managing Director, St Joseph, said: “Our new Community Hub at Botany Walk will be a modern, multipurpose space for local people.
“The Ladywood Community Project provides vital support and services to residents and we have been working with the team there to ensure they can continue to deliver their vital work by providing them with a new space.
“We are committed to supporting the Ladywood community and the new Hub is a key part of how we plan to work hand in hand with residents.
“With our team based in the Hub, we will be there to provide updates and information on the regeneration, but we also want it to be somewhere people can come to access support, services or just meet up.”
Caron Hallahan, Co-Ordinator at Ladywood Community Project
Caron Hallahan, Co-Ordinator at Ladywood Community Project added: “The new Botany Walk hub will be a place for the community to gather, access support and influence regeneration plans for the Ladywood Estate.
“The Ladywood Community Project has provided vital support to the community for nearly 40 years. After a worrying time, this commitment by St Joseph means we, and others, can continue our work. It was important to us to remain in the centre of Ladywood and be a constant, visible presence for anyone who needs help.”
Work on the building is due to begin over summer with the new centre scheduled to open later this year.
St Joseph recently launched a new Ladywood community website, an email and a telephone number to support residents.
The new community website, www.ladywoodcommunity.co.uk will provide the latest news, events, and information as the project progresses. Residents can also get in touch by email at ladywoodcommunity@stjosephhomes.co.uk and telephone on 0800 368 7592. Both will be staffed Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm for any queries.
Residents will be contacted in the coming days with further information about upcoming events including planned workshops.