The Canalside South regeneration project, a significant redevelopment initiative in Wolverhampton, UK, has officially begun.
Property developer Wavensmere Homes is transforming a 17.5-acre former industrial site into a £150m ($187.5m) residential and commercial hub.
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The brownfield site, which has been unused for 15 years, will feature over 530 homes and a variety of new amenities.
City of Wolverhampton Council and the Canal & River Trust have teamed up to redevelop the site, which is located off Qualcast Road. Its waterside location offers frontage onto two canals.
Earlier this month, the mayor of the West Midlands announced £20m in development funding for the Canalside South regeneration project.
Wavensmere Homes managing director James Dickens said: “Having received confirmation of £20m of development funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Frontier Development Capital only last week, we are thrilled to be demonstrating our focus on deliverability by starting work at Canalside South immediately.
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By GlobalData“With Wavensmere’s proud history of regenerating vacant land in the Black Country, we have mobilised our local and regional supply chain and will transform this current eyesore into a landmark development we can all be immensely proud of.”
Site preparation is in progress, with groundwork set to start in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.
The development will unfold in three phases, moving from east to west, to reduce community disruption and ensure the provision of infrastructure on time.
The first phase will include 153 modern two- and three-bedroom houses, with an expected completion date in Q2 2027.
Access to the initial phases will be via Qualcast Road, serving as the main artery of the development.
The third phase will be accessible through Bailey Street, integrating into the broader road network.
The entire regeneration is projected to finish by the end of Q3 2031.
The site, once a British Steel regional centre, has been vacant since the company’s collapse in 2019.
Canalside South stands as one of the largest regeneration efforts in the region, aiming to deliver approximately 1,000 homes. The master plan prioritises sustainability and place-making.
Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the low-rise development will complement the conservation area and utilise the canalside setting.
The scheme includes seven acres of green space and will introduce a new pedestrian route to the city centre, cutting walk time by 20 minutes. This is expected to stimulate commercial investment along the corridor.
The development will offer 378 townhouses and 145 apartments, all aiming for an energy performance certificate A rating, and a co-living building with affordable options for young professionals. Over 130 units will have waterside views.
