New homes will be built on neglected land across the UK

Constructing thousands of new homes on derelict land is the key to boosting local regeneration by creating thriving communities and levelling up the country. 

Last week, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced £35m has been allocated to 41 councils to help kickstart regeneration in various towns and cities across the UK.

Some areas of the UK that will experience changes include Exeter and Sunderland, which will see 59 regeneration projects, including the construction of 2,200 homes, of which 800 will be affordable.

The new homes are hoped to help more young people and families onto the housing ladder, as the rising cost of inflation has severely impacted the housing sector. Additionally, 7000 new jobs in housing and construction are also estimated to become available.

The Minister for Housing Rt Hon, Lucy Frazer said, ‘We are helping local communities transform unwanted, urban eyesores into thriving places that people are proud to call home. 

‘Regeneration is at the heart of our levelling up mission and this new brownfield first fund will help communities across the country unlock disused, council-owned sites to build more of the right homes I the right places.’

The funding has been distributed from the £180m Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 and is said to spark life back into unloved, council-owned land by transforming industrial sites, disused car parks and buildings that are in poor condition.

The first Brownfield Land Release Fund saw £77m help councils release over 160 Brownfield sites for around 7,750 new homes across the country.

Alex Burghart, Cabinet Office Minister said, ‘This funding is absolutely crucial for stimulating growth and forms part of a push across the whole of the government to get the UK economy moving. 

‘Unused land such as this, is ripe for investment and I’m thrilled we’re opening the door for more than 2,200 new property owners to potentially take their first step onto the property ladder.’

Increasing housing supply is central to the levelling up agenda and supports the governments ongoing target to deliver 300,000 new homes a year. Just before the pandemic, over 242,000 homes were delivered which is the highest number for 30 years.

Photo by Maria Ziegler