Ladywood residents relieved as £2.2bn regeneration scheme is dropped: 'We can finally plan our future'

For five years, Layla Al-Abhar put off improving her home in Ladywood, fearing it would be knocked down. This week, after the collapse of the £2.2 billion plan to regenerate the estate, she is planning her redecoration instead, and many of her neighbours share her relief.

Birmingham City Council announced on 9 November that it had "mutually agreed" to end its partnership with developer Berkeley St Joseph, after rising costs and a tougher economic climate made the scheme unviable. The masterplan would have built more than 10,000 homes, but thousands of existing homes would have been demolished. Residents' reaction was reported by BBC News on 11 November.

"We can finally plan our future"

Ms Al-Abhar, from the campaign group Ladywood Unite, said her family had feared being forced out of their home and into renting, and that years of uncertainty had left many residents reluctant to invest in their properties. Since the news broke, her family has restarted renovation plans and started contacting tradespeople.

"I went to Costco last night and checked out everything we can do in our home," she said.

George Smith, co-chair of Ladywood Unite, said residents were "absolutely delighted" and that "the community app was really busy" as people reacted. Fellow campaigner Robert Brenchley said: "It was what I've been dreaming of since day one but I didn't think it was going to happen."

Regeneration still wanted, but done differently

The campaigners are clear that Ladywood still needs investment. "Regeneration is needed in Ladywood," Mr Smith said. "It needs to be done in a proper way and in a way that puts people first."

Mr Brenchley said existing homes should be improved where possible rather than demolished. "We want the area regenerated and brought up to scratch, but we want it done in a community-friendly fashion," he said. "We want houses brought up to modern standards, we want new ones built. We know there's a housing crisis, but we want social housing at a decent standard for ordinary people."

The council's commitment

The council says regeneration remains a priority and that it will begin a new conversation with residents about the estate's future. At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, deputy council leader Julien Pritchard said: "It's not an abandonment of Ladywood. The council's commitment to Ladywood and its community remains unchanged."

"Residents will be at the heart of future plans for the area and this administration will make sure that is the case," he added.

Opposition councillors raised questions about how the decision was taken. Joanne Roney, the council's managing director, explained that emergency powers were used because the news was likely to break and residents would otherwise have heard it through the media, which she said would go against every commitment given to them.

What happens next

For now, the end of the scheme means certainty for families who have lived with the threat of demolition hanging over them. The council has written to residents and says it will set out how they can help shape the next plan for Ladywood. Residents who want to take part should look out for the council's letter and updates through the regeneration newsletter.