Druids Heath masterplan revealed in pictures

Visions of a new-look Druids Heath have been shared.

A masterplan to regenerate a housing estate in a deprived area of Birmingham has been revealed and proposes an extensive demolition programme.

Fresh details of the project for Druids Heath have emerged six years after an initial scheme was outlined, with artists' impressions showing how the estate could look following demolition of 1,800 homes and the creation of 3,000 new ones under a 20-year strategy.

Residents, however, have voiced concerns with the proposed timescale to knock down the majority of the site.

Birmingham City Council had initially said it would only be demolishing the estate's 1960 tower blocks, adding extensive consultation would take place over revised ambitions.

The masterplan promises to prioritise more green space for the community

The masterplan was revealed to the local community last week alongside images of what the council described as a more "sustainable and greener place to live".

Regeneration of the estate, which is the backdrop for BBC drama This Town, received cabinet approval back in 2018 and initially included the demolition of six tower blocks and the former Baverstock School to allow new homes to be built.

The additional proposed demolition, with 1,800 homes outlined to make way, was designed to "maximise space and increase affordable housing", planning officials said.

If approved, the project is estimated to take 20 years to complete fully in a variety of phases as follows:

• Phases one to four to be realised between years five and 10

• Phases five to seven to be completed between years 10 and 15

• Phase eight to be built between years 15 and 20

The order of the phasing has been estimated based on the land available for building along with other factors, the council said.

How Druids Heath could look post-transformation.

According to the authority, new homes built with higher specifications will be "re-provided" to the community.

But residents have voiced concerns over both the scale of the project and the length of time involved, with one posting on Facebook: "I hope I'm alive to see this."

Others said they were concerned about a lack of social housing and that locals would effectively be priced out of the area.

Jayne Francis, council cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: "We understand residents' concerns.

"For this reason, the council is looking at how we can use different financial models to give residents an opportunity to remain on the estate.

"We will let residents know more about these models as soon as we are able. It is really important to the council that everyone who wants to stay in Druids Heath can do so."

A 20-year timescale to realise such scenes has been floated.

More CCTV

Locals have previously said they feel unsafe on the estate. The plan aims to tackle this by "reconfiguring" spaces to "provide better surveillance".

More CCTV, a specific repairs service and extra cleaning provision will be assigned to the estate in the meantime.

An independent group of residents and local businesses will also be created to help the decision-making process going forward, Ms Francis said.

"Extensive consultation" is due in the coming months before an application for outline planning permission is submitted next year.