Deprived north-west areas of city given £14 million regeneration upgrade

Jul 30 2009 by Fionnuala Bourke, Birmingham Mail

DEPRIVED areas in Birmingham are set to benefit from a £14 million regeneration scheme.

The cash – from the Homes and Communities Agency – will be used to fund redevelopment projects in Aston, Lozells, Newtown, Birchfield and Soho.

The Urban Living Pathfinder programme aims to tackle housing issues such as overcrowding and poor design.

It is run by Urban Living alongside Birmingham City Council, and will continue operating until March 2011.

Many of the projects have already begun, including the Housing Education Initiative, which aims to educate young people about regeneration.

Other schemes will improve the quality of homes to boost fuel efficiency and reduce energy bills.

The plans also include bringing empty properties back into use and building large family homes.

Councillor John Lines, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m pleased the Government has recognised Birmingham’s progress in this area. I’m committed to delivering high-quality homes for our people and we’ve already began to regenerate North West Birmingham.

“This £14 million investment will allow us to build further on our aims to create thriving communities.”

Peter Latchford, Urban Living chairman, said: “Urban Living is pleased to continue to invest in North West Birmingham in the areas of greatest need and to complement the City Council’s regeneration plans.

“Ultimately, we are there to support local people in continuing to make their neighbourhoods stronger, safer, and more attractive.”