Homes England enters 750-home lease agreement at former hospital site

Michael Moore, managing director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “This major regeneration scheme will transform a challenging brownfield site into 750 high-quality, mixed-tenure homes and new commercial uses.

“We share the government’s ambition to deliver new homes at scale and pace, and by working closely with Homes England and Birmingham City Council we can create a vibrant, sustainable new community that will not only meet the housing needs of the area but will bring both regeneration and valuable investment into the city.

Preparation of the site has already begun, with asbestos removal works starting in December 2025 to ensure a safe demolition.

Following completion of the demolition, construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026, with the first homes due to complete in early 2027.

Mike Goulding, director of development at Homes England, said: “This development marks a new chapter for a historic site, bringing much-needed, high-quality homes – with over a third as affordable housing – to this part of Birmingham.

“We’ve worked closely with the NHS trust, Birmingham City Council and the local community to enable a smooth and safe transition from a working hospital to a site ready for demolition and construction.

“We’re grateful to all our partners for their collaboration and we look forward to working with Vistry to deliver the first homes in this well-connected new community next year.”

Exiting the hospital included collaboration across three public sector bodies: Homes England, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and Birmingham City Council.

Patients and staff have transferred to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which opened in October 2024.

Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Birmingham City Council, said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision.

“By collaborating with Homes England, Vistry and the NHS trust, we are transforming the former City Hospital site into a vibrant community with high-quality homes, including 35% affordable housing.”

Diane Wake, group chief executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an exciting time in the wider regeneration of the West Birmingham and Smethwick Regeneration Corridor, of which our development of the Midland Met hospital was a key component.

“Obviously, it is a significant moment in our journey to finally say goodbye to City Hospital, which has served the local population for over 130 years, however it has been a goodbye we have planned for many years, and we look forward to the site being developed to continue the tradition of serving its local people.”