By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Funding to build more than 700 homes on Nottingham brownfield sites has been hailed as a ‘game changer’ for the city.
More than £9 million has been secured from new East Midlands mayor Claire Ward to kickstart the projects on previously-used urban areas.
The city projects will receive the lion’s share of £17m of funding for a total of 16 plans across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The cash from the government’s Brownfield Housing Fund aims to enable the rapid construction of 1600 homes in the region, with just over 700 of those in Nottingham.
The second phase of the Queens Road development near the train station is the largest project, with plans to construct 382 new homes.
It has received £4.5m, with work projected to begin in April 2025.
The next stage of Island Quarter development in the south-west corner of the city will deliver another 322 homes thanks to £4.2m of funding, with work beginning in February 2025.
A further 309 houses have received £2.5m funding on a brownfield site on Hawton Lane, New Balderton, near Newark-on-Trent.
The Labour mayor also provided £900,000 for a development of 45 homes on Trent Basin West on the northern Nottingham riverbank, with work slated for April 2026.
Arnold would see an additional 30 homes built on Leviers Court with £290,000 given to the Nottingham Community Housing association.
Councillor Jay Hayes (Lab), executive member for housing and planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “This £9.64m investment is a game-changer for Nottingham.
“It’s about breathing new life into our city and tackling the challenges of inequality head on.
“Nottingham Labour is committed to ensuring residents have access to quality housing.
“While this phase focuses on new homes, we’re also committed to prioritising social housing and affordable options in future developments – like we have in my own ward, Bestwood.
“I’m proud that Nottingham Labour is leading the way in securing this crucial funding for our city’s growth and regeneration.”
Building on brownfield land has become a priority for the new government, who says there is a housing crisis.
Claire Ward, East Midlands mayor, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to kickstart a housing revolution across the region so quickly and begin the challenges of delivering homes that people here need.
“These housing developments will see underused sites brought back to life in our cities and communities with work starting on some sites.
“This is a significant stride towards unleashing the potential of regeneration across our region.”
