Keys to nine new council homes at a Smethwick estate have been handed over to Sandwell’s housing boss.
The properties represent the final phase of 38 newly-built council homes at the Galton Lock development, off Mafeking Road in Smethwick.
The council has been working in partnership with developer Countryside to build the properties which are part of a larger 180-home estate.
The 38 two and three-bedroom homes are the first properties the council has bought off-plan – that is before they were built – under the £4.5 million scheme.
Tenants are already signed up for the properties and will be moving in shortly.
The development is part of the council’s millions of pounds worth of investment into new housing and was completed on schedule.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m delighted to receive the keys to these last nine new council homes on the Galton Lock development which has seen a total of 38 new council homes being built for local families to move into.
“This is another example of the council working in partnership with a developer like Countryside to increase the quality and choice of housing in the borough.
“By the end of March next year we will have created nearly 200 new council homes since 2016 with hundreds more in the pipeline.
“This is part of our on-going strategic housing plan to increase the number of council-owned affordable homes.”
John Gilbert, regional operations director for Countryside’s Midlands division, said: “With a strong partnership model in place, we’re committed to ensuring much-needed, residential growth for Smethwick. Galton Lock was our debut into the West Midlands and has been a driving force behind our continued growth within the region, making the handover of these final homes an even greater milestone for us.
“Through the creation of high quality homes and engaging with local residents, our vision for Galton Lock was to transform brownfield land into a thriving and welcoming neighbouring. The scheme has been an unwavering success since day one and is a testament to what can be achieved through a collaborative working between Sandwell Council and Countryside.”
The Galton Lock development is made up of 180 homes. In addition to the 38 new council homes which have been bought by and will be managed by Sandwell Council, the remaining 142 will be made up of 79 for sale and 63 for rent by Countryside.
