Greater Icknield and Smethwick

Greater Icknield and Smethwick are identified as strategic development areas to accommodate large areas of growth.

Housing delivery concentrates on the Grove Lane area of Smethwick, close to the boundary with Birmingham in this sought-after area with high demand for housing land. More than 800 new homes will be delivered over a phased period, with community infrastructure to support this. Extensive areas of land will also be regenerated surrounding the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital which is already attracting substantial investment. The first phase has already completed with 143 new modular style homes at Cranford Grange.

Further phases will come forward for development in the coming years. The Grove Lane area received Housing Zone status from Central Government and granted £224,000 of capacity funding in March 2017 to assist in bringing the development forward. Most of land is privately owned with recent significant developer interest signifying the attractiveness and potential for investment in this area. The area is also included within the Smethwick Town Fund Investment Plan which secured £23.5million in May 2022.

In the adjacent area falling within Birmingham City Council boundary, public sector partners have been active with land assembly to bring forward 3,000 homes. This includes the acquisition of the majority of the Birmingham City Hospital site by Homes England. A planning application has been submitted for this site. The first phase of 207 new homes and open space at Port Loop has now been completed; subsequent phases have outline consent. The 750- home development at Soho Loop is nearing completion.

Why invest in Sandwell?

Sandwell, in the heart of the West Midlands, has a diverse economy thanks to innovative companies and a highly skilled workforce. Which is home to a pro-business council that supports your growth and development.

Our region is home to around 9,000 businesses: exciting and dynamic companies which collectively employ approximately 140,000 people. We are part of the West Midlands and Birmingham city region and have expertise in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and production, health and care, and logistics amongst others. We also have a young diverse population and hold competitive property prices in comparison to much of the rest of the UK, so commercially our area remains in high demand yet still offers good value for money compared to alternatives.

Thanks to our excellent transport links, including the M5 and M6, many skilled people and cost-competitive location at the centre of England, more and more companies are looking to Sandwell to fulfil their business needs.

Sandwell is growing. Up to £2.3bn of investment between 2022 and 2027 will fund regeneration across the six towns, improving quality of life and making Sandwell a more sustainable, greener place. The £2.3bn Pipeline includes 69 regeneration projects being delivered across Sandwell funded by a range of public and private sector investment. These include housing, education, skills, commercial and transport.

Our regeneration plans aim to improve the quality of life for our residents, create more well-paid, fulfilling jobs and a healthier, wealthier Sandwell.