Sandwell Estates

Birmingham, UK

Project type:	Estate & Housing Renewal
Location:	Birmingham, UK
Client:	Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Stage:	Completed
Programme:	2009–2011

The Charlemont Farm, Durham and Tibbington housing estates, located on the fringes of the Borough of Sandwell between Birmingham and Walsall, include almost three thousand homes.

Geographically isolated with poor vehicular and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding areas, the relatively popular estates are suffering from a lack of local community facilities and a poor external image.

They include some derelict and poorly designed affordable housing, and two of the three are visually dominated by high-rise blocks. Roads give priority to the car over pedestrians, and parked vehicles intrude on the streetscape due to a lack of parking. Public spaces are underutilised and poorly managed.

Project Delivery

Detailed resident and stakeholder visioning process in each of the estates, conducted over a number of months.
Creation of a Neighbourhood Plan for each estate including the following proposals.
Selective demolition of derelict or poorly designed properties and replacement with sustainable homes arranged to create streets.
Creation of a new neighbourhood centre for Charlemont Farm including improved shops, community buildings, a village square and community gardens.
New community buildings and public spaces for Tibbington and Durham.
New and improved, pedestrian friendly streets and attractive parking set within enriched landscaping.
Enhancements to open spaces, including new play areas and strategic footpath and cycle routes.