Mayor Richard Parker has announced another major investment in social and affordable housing as part of his “Homes for Everyone” priority, confirming that a derelict industrial site in Acocks Green will be transformed into new homes for local families.
The redevelopment on Warwick Road will deliver 32 social rent homes and 14 rent-to-buy properties, constructed by T R Partnership Homes on behalf of housing association Citizen. The scheme is part of a wider mission to tackle the region’s housing crisis by unlocking underused brownfield land and turning it into thriving neighbourhoods.
Brownfield regeneration is central to the Mayor’s Growth Plan, which sets out a roadmap to build 120,000 homes, create 100,000 good jobs, and provide improved transport connections across the region. By bringing derelict industrial land back into use, the plan aims to deliver more affordable housing while boosting local economies.
Mayor Parker has set a target of building 2,000 social rent homes each year by 2028, the most affordable form of housing available. These properties are typically let at around half the local market rent, providing a lifeline for families struggling with high private rents and insecure temporary accommodation.
The urgency of the challenge is clear. Across the West Midlands, there are currently 65,335 households on social housing waiting lists, while 7,450 families – including nearly 15,000 children – are living in temporary accommodation.
Since taking office in May last year, the Mayor has directed West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) funding to unlock sites capable of delivering more than 1,600 affordable homes, including over 700 for social rent. This is more than the WMCA has ever achieved through its grant programmes in previous years.
“We need to be building more homes that are truly affordable for local people – like these in Warwick Road – if we are to begin fixing this housing crisis. Everyone deserves a warm, safe, and affordable home, but too many families are waiting too long, living in expensive and often poor-quality rented or temporary accommodation. I’m committed to changing that.”
The scheme also marks an important step for T R Partnership Homes, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) established just 18 months ago. The Acocks Green project has not only given the company a foothold in the competitive housebuilding sector but also safeguarded 15 jobs at the firm and its sister company, TR Civil Engineering. In addition, a new trainee has been taken on as part of the build.
Steve Thompson, director at TR Partnership Homes, highlighted the importance of WMCA support: “Without the WMCA, this scheme simply wouldn’t have been viable. The funding has allowed us to deliver high-quality homes while also growing our business and supporting local employment.”
Nick Byrne, executive director of development at Citizen, added: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with the WMCA, Homes England and TR Partnership Homes. This scheme not only provides desperately needed affordable homes but also strengthens the local construction sector and community.”
Mayor Parker’s Growth Plan places housing at the heart of a wider vision for an inclusive West Midlands – one that balances economic growth with social equity. Alongside jobs, transport improvements, and business support, the housing programme is designed to give families long-term security while laying the foundations for greener, healthier communities.
The Acocks Green project is another step toward that goal, demonstrating how regional investment can unlock land, empower SMEs, and deliver homes that truly meet the needs of local people.
