Leading Housing association Midland Heart has been granted permission for 132 new homes on the site of a former Brierley Hill metal works.

The 100% affordable development will breathe new life back into the Stokes Forgings site on Cochrane Road with a range of homes – from one-bed apartments to four bedroom houses – creating a vibrant new neighbourhood in the heart of the Black Country.

The development is the latest in a partnership between the housing association and developers Countryside, which will deliver 1,000 new affordable homes across the Midlands. Chris Miller, Midland Heart’s Director of Development, said:

“This development will turn a disused factory site into a mixed new community of much-needed affordable housing. 

"As well as this development giving local people the opportunity to rent a quality home at a price they can afford, or to step onto the property ladder with shared ownership, our partners Countryside expect to create 165 construction jobs and even more in the supply chain – a no doubt welcome boost in these uncertain times.”

Work on the site has already begun with demolition of the old factory, and the homes should be ready for people to move into by next summer. There will be strict social distancing measures on site for the foreseeable future, to keep workers safe. Adam Daniels, Managing Director, Partnerships West Midlands, Countryside, added:

“We’re pleased to further cement our strong partnership with Midland Heart through the provision of much-needed affordable housing in Brierley Hill.

“We fully intend to use our presence on this project to support the Black Country economy with the creation of local jobs and the appointment of a local supply chain. We’re looking forward to commencing construction in a safe and socially-distanced manner in due course.” 

The site, previously a hammer forging plant, closed in September 2019 and the land was quickly acquired for redevelopment.

The new community will include two, three and four bedroom houses, two bedroom bungalows and one bedroom apartments, with a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership available.