12 new homes on site of former council depot are finally ready for Oldbury families

The new family homes have replaced the former council depot that stood for years in Crosswells Road in Oldbury before being demolished as part of a regeneration scheme to provide more housing in the town. The work was carried out by Seddon Housing.

Sandwell Council said the regeneration has improved the look of the street and brought new people into the neighbourhood. In addition tenants’ energy costs have been considered and electric chargers have been installed at each property.  

A total of 12 homes have been built with  a mix of two- and four-bedroom homes, including three bungalows. Two of the new homes are four-bedroom, six-person homes. 

As a Sandwell Council-owned brownfield site, the land has undergone extensive remediation to be brought back into use for residential purposes, reinforcing the council’s commitment to regeneration.

Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing and sustainable development, said: “We are incredibly pleased to see the new homes on Crosswells Road completed and to a very high standard. It’s so important for us to be able to regenerate sites like these and build new homes for our tenants. 

“With a housing shortage nationally, we know how important it has been to complete these works and to create new sustainable homes in our communities. 

Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and infrastructure, added: “Regenerating brownfield sites such as this is an important component not only building new homes for our residents but also providing local employment and reinvigorating areas and communities for the 21st century.”

Some of the homes include bespoke features to meet the changing needs of potential tenants, such as wheelchair friendly access and downstairs wet rooms.

Tony Clark, regional director at Seddon, added: “It is fantastic to see that these homes have now been completed in Oldbury. 

“This brownfield site had plenty of challenges to overcome, but it has now been opened up to create amazing new homes that will contribute to the wider neighbourhood. The homes on Crosswells Road will provide an important place for people in the area to relax, unwind and make great memories together.”

Work got underway onsite in February last year with the homes due to be offered through the council’s choice-based letting system.

The homes have been grant funded by Homes England and Sandwell Council with a total investment of around £6.2 million including a site in  St Vincent’s Crescent in West Bromwich where council-owned shops with flats above were demolished.