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What's Happening In Your Area

Lyng Estate:

The regeneration of the Lyng Estate is seen as key to the wider regeneration of West Bromwich as it is located within close proximity (less than a mile) from West Bromwich High Street. The estate was constructed during the mid-to-late 1960's as a council owned low / medium and high-rise flatted residential area.

Sandwell Council has been working since the late 1990's with the local community to facilitate the regeneration of the area, which has resulted to date in the demolition of 980 council owned homes and the construction to date of 86 homes for the Lyng Community Association (LCA), which is a community led, registered social landlord. A new health centre has also been built.

In terms of actions and support undertaken by Urban Living, to date these include:

• Demolition of three tower blocks by implosion in 2003, site assembly and ground remediation
• Design enhancements, infrastructure and environmental works to provide a "tenure blind" estate and thus ensure future sustainability

Urban Living has also:

• Made links to the West Bromwich Town Centre proposals
• Worked with Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and Sandwell MBC to enhance the quality of urban design and build
• Made a tangible contribution to the sustainability agenda

Urban living financial support to date - Approx £1million

This year 2010/11 Urban Living will invest another £991,000 into Phase 3 which is the final development phase of this project. This will support the delivery of high quality public works in line with design specification agreed with CABE. Barratts, who are the chosen developer, will commence the build a further 114 social homes for rent under the Lyng Community Association and 249 private homes for sale.

The work will also engage 5 trainees in construction skills and many more to gain NVQ accreditation under the Future Jobs Skills Initiative.

Eastern Gateway:

The Eastern Gateway forms part of proposals to create 160 mixed use development that will complement the regeneration of West Bromwich town centre being led by Sandwell MBC.

Working in partnership with SMBC and Accord Housing on the new master plan for Eastern Gateway, Urban Living will fund any voluntary acquisitions that can be made to progress the commencement of the redevelopment of this site whilst at the same time also support the endorsement of CPO powers to bring forward the outstanding necessary ownership titles to commence redevelopment.