By Gary Fleisher, The Modcoach
In a significant turn of events, Birmingham-based developer Wavensmere Homes has stepped in as the new preferred developer for the Wolverhampton Canalside South residential scheme. This decision comes on the heels of Legal & General’s modular housing business closure, which was initially tasked with transforming a 17-acre brownfield site, once a foundry and steelworks, into a thriving residential community.
all photos – Wavensmere Homes
The City of Wolverhampton Council, in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust, has selected Wavensmere Homes, a site-builder, to spearhead the £150 million Canalside South project following a meticulous tender process managed by consultant Avison Young.
This decision comes after L&G Modular, the initial preferred developer, ceased production at its flagship modular factory in Leeds. Pending planning approval, Wavensmere is poised to construct 500 new homes on the 17-acre industrial site, conveniently located between the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Birmingham Main Line Canal.
Mark Birks, Principal and Head of Residential Birmingham at Avison Young, Cllr Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Cheryl Blount-Powell, National Property Development Manager at the Canal & River Trust, and James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, with the Canalside South site to the right.
Situated to the east of Wolverhampton city center, this land once housed the Crane Foundry and British Steel facilities. The ambitious development plans encompass 384 two- and three-bedroom townhouses and 140 one- and two-bedroom apartments, all designed to meet an EPC-A rated specification.
What sets Wavensmere Homes apart is its commitment to revitalizing disused railway arches on the site, transforming them into 7,000 square feet of commercial space available for rent. The design concept places a strong emphasis on maximizing the site’s canalside setting, including the creation of 4.4 acres of new public space.
Wavensmere is also taking steps to future-proof the Canalside South site by implementing electric-only heating systems via air-source heat pumps, solar panels, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and charging points for electric cars.
In September 2022, L&G had initially been selected to develop the site into 400 homes. However, in May 2023, L&G made the unexpected announcement of closing production at its modular factory and withdrawing from the industry.
Headquartered in Edgbaston, Birmingham, Wavensmere Homes has an impressive pipeline of almost 3,500 properties, cementing its role as a key player in shaping the future of urban living in Wolverhampton.
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Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach, author
