Five ways Birmingham's forgotten Druid's Heath estate could change forever with 3,500 new homes

The city council’s huge regeneration scheme for Druids Heath, which recently featured in Steven Knight drama This Town, could change the area beyond recognition.

Around 3,500 new homes would be built alongside green spaces with new infrastructure and transport links while commercial and community spaces in the area would be revitalised.

The council said it was committed to building around 1,785 affordable homes as part of the scheme – representing 51 per cent of homes on the development.

The plans haven’t been free of controversy however, with concerns raised over residents being priced out of the area and whether the estate would be supported in the meantime.

“If you speak to anyone in Druids Heath, one of the things residents will say is that it’s a forgotten estate,” Julien Pritchard, a councillor representing the area, said last year. “One aspect is this idea of the meanwhile – what is done to invest in the estate in the meantime?

“That is a big concern because I’m already hearing from residents that the estate is being run-down even more because it’s now being demolished.”

Paul Langford, executive director of city housing, said at the time that the council was looking to have a local presence on the estate during the regeneration period.

Coun Jayne Francis, the cabinet member for housing and homelessness, has said the plans would “meet the needs of the people who live and work” in Druids Heath and create a “healthier, more sustainable place to live”.

“Any regeneration will affect people’s homes and can, therefore, be a significant cause of distress for residents,” she continued. “To help, we will appoint independent advisors to advise homeowners throughout the process to ensure our residents feel supported and informed.

“We will also hold regular in-person drop-in sessions for people to ask any questions.”

On residents’ concerns about being priced out of the area, she continued: “The council is looking at how we can use different financial models to give residents an opportunity to remain on the estate.

“It is really important to the council that everyone who wants to stay in Druids Heath can do so.”

With a planning application now submitted, here’s a look at some of the ways Druids Heath could change if this huge project goes ahead.

1) New local centre

According to planning documents, community engagement identified a “disconnect” between Druids Heath East and Druids Heath South.

“To address this, a section of Bells Lane will become a vibrant high street, serving as the central hub of the neighbourhood,” they said.

“This new local centre intends to feature a range of commercial uses, community spaces and employment opportunities, creating a lively and active focal point that strengthens the connection between the two areas.”

They added: “Diverse buildings and uses, brought together around a unique public realm, will characterise the new local centre.”

2) Sports facilities

The planning application said there were proposals for sport and community facilities within the scheme.

These could feature a floodlit 4G sports pitch and a standalone building offering a range of sports, community, and youth amenities.

3) Village green

One important aspect of the regeneration plans for Druids Heath is the ‘protection and enhancement’ of the village green.

“The village green is a significant asset for Druids Heath, a unique space preserved by the community through a local action group that secured its protected status,” a planning document said.

“The proposals for Druids Heath aim to honour that legacy by safeguarding and enhancing the natural environment, while improving accessibility through better defined walking routes to ensure the space remains a cherished public amenity.”

4) ‘Greenway Loop’

The ‘Greenway Loop’ is described as a key aspiration of the Druids Heath proposals in the planning application.

It aims to transform and redistribute the “currently-fragmented green spaces” into a continuous, well-connected route.

“Additional greenways and two new east-west linear parks will establish welcoming gateways into the development, enhancing accessibility and connectivity,” a planning document said.

“This framework forms a legible layout that will be easy to navigate and get around.”

It added: “Well-defined pedestrian and cycling routes will create a more permeable neighbourhood, encouraging active travel, increasing footfall, and improving security.”

5) A ‘safe’ neighbourhood with new homes

A planning document said new homes, spaces and streets would be designed to “enhance safety and reduce antisocial behaviour”.

It would do this by improving the relationship between private and public spaces, offering better natural surveillance.

“Community and commercial buildings and attractive new public realm spaces, will support a vibrant neighbourhood environment and contribute to local biodiversity,” it said.