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Affordable and build-to-rent providers sought for Wolverhampton regeneration
Affordable housing and build-to-rent providers are being sought for a regeneration scheme in Wolverhampton city centre.
A partner search has begun for phase one of the City Centre West scheme, which is being developed by ECF (formerly the English Cities Fund) and City of Wolverhampton Council.
ECF is a public-private partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and developer Muse.
The first phase of the scheme will comprise 241 build-to-rent flats and 90 affordable homes alongside shops, cafes, restaurants and public space. Property agency CBRE has been appointed to find residential partners to develop the homes.
City Centre West is Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration opportunity, ECF said in a statement. Subject to planning approval, construction of the scheme could begin later this year.
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Stuart Eustace, head of residential capital markets team at CBRE, said: “Wolverhampton’s build-to-rent market is in its infancy, but demand for homes to rent is on the rise, with 20% more of the city’s growing population expected to live in rental accommodation by 2026 compared to 2021.
“What’s more, the city’s most populous groups are aged between 25-34 and 35-44, the cohorts representing 95% of build-to-rent tenants. It is a market crying out for a new product and a great opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of this scheme.”
The full 12-acre site has a masterplan for 1,070 new homes including open market sales, build-to-rent and affordable homes, delivered across four phases. It is situated between School Street and Darlington Street in the West Midlands city.
Basit Ali, development director at ECF, said: “Wolverhampton is enjoying an investment boom, with the £152m Interchange project delivering a new railway station and tram link, the Mander Shopping Centre getting a new look, along with the £48m renovation of iconic entertainment venue, The Halls, and a £19m investment in the final phase of city centre public realm improvements.
“City Centre West is an opportunity to elevate Wolverhampton’s city centre offer, curating a dynamic new neighbourhood and driving footfall to support established businesses. It’s an exciting time to invest in Wolverhampton’s residential market and deliver new homes for the city’s growing population.”
Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills at City of Wolverhampton Council, described the development plans as one that will be “truly transformational” for the city.
He added: “It is an opportunity to put people at the heart of the city with new homes, shops, cafes, or restaurants – boosting the local economy and driving further investment.”
Since 2001, ECF has delivered large-scale urban regeneration projects in Liverpool, London, Plymouth, Salford and Wakefield. The fund was expanded in 2024 to £400m and is exploring new partnerships across England with public sector organisations.
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