Druids Heath: empty Birmingham tower blocks attracting vandalism and fly-tipping

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Empty tower blocks in a Birmingham area are reportedly attracting vandalism and fly-tipping as regeneration plans continue to take shape.

The city council says a huge proposed project would provide affordable and good quality homes, as well as maximise green spaces, in Druids Heath.

Around 1,800 homes could be demolished to make way for around 3,500 new ones, made to be more energy efficient.

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A councillor representing the area raised concerns over derelict tower blocksA councillor representing the area raised concerns over derelict tower blocks
A councillor representing the area raised concerns over derelict tower blocks | Alexander Brock/LDRS

This means the estate, which featured in the Steven Knight drama This Town last year, would be changed beyond recognition over the next two decades or so.

But at a council meeting this week, a councillor representing the area raised concerns over derelict tower blocks which continue to dominate the area’s skyline and questioned when they would be demolished.

Coun Julien Pritchard (Green Party) said three of them had been vacant for nearly three years while another has been empty for over a year.

“Yet all these tower blocks are still standing empty, attracting vandalism and fly-tipping,” he said. “The state of affairs doesn’t really inspire much confidence about the council’s regeneration plans for Druids Heath. Despite emails to officers, I still have not got a definitive timeframe for when the demolition of these empty blocks will take place.”

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Coun Jayne Francis, the cabinet member for housing, admitted she did not have the “exact information” that Coun Pritchard wanted.

“I will get a written update for you from officers as soon as I can,” she said. “I think it’s only fair that residents get an understanding of when this is going to happen. It’s inappropriate that residents are left in the lurch like this.”

Coun Francis previously said towards the end of last year that the final masterplan for the regeneration marks the beginning of a “new chapter” for Druids Heath.

A visualisation of what Druids Heath in Birmingham could look if regeneration plans go aheadA visualisation of what Druids Heath in Birmingham could look if regeneration plans go ahead
A visualisation of what Druids Heath in Birmingham could look if regeneration plans go ahead | Birmingham City Council/LDRS

“This regeneration will build the types of homes we need to tackle climate change, reduce fuel bills, and contribute to the city’s net zero ambitions,” she said. “The plans take advantage of the estate’s key strengths – community spirit and abundance of green space – to make a healthier, more sustainable place to live.”

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She also added at the time that the city council understood residents’ concerns about being priced out of the area.

“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,” she said. “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”.

The council said it would submit plans for planning approval this year.

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