One of the Midlands’ fastest-growing affordable housing and extra care developers has unveiled a new initiative aimed at transforming under-used brownfield sites into much-needed housing and commercial spaces.
Chasetown-based Keon Homes has partnered with residential development consultancy Foster, Green+Brown (FG+B), based in Bridgtown, near Cannock, to launch ‘Brownfield Reborn’, a service designed to help landowners unlock the potential of their sites.
The collaboration builds on both companies’ expertise in redeveloping brownfield land and will provide site owners with a free, in-depth assessment covering technical considerations, historic land use, planning designations and potential development options.
The goal is to identify the most suitable use for each site, whether for affordable housing, retirement and care home schemes, open market housing or commercial repurposing. The service will also offer landowners a valuation of their site’s potential worth, with everything delivered within just four weeks from initial contact.
Richard Williams, Managing Director of Keon Homes, said: “‘Brownfield First’ has long been the mantra of political parties; however, we all know it is not as easy as just inserting it into a manifesto.
“There tends to be heavy reclamation costs to get the land fit for purpose, owners tend to sit on sites as they don’t understand the true value of them and developers often prefer the easier routes of grey or indeed green belt.
“This could all be about to change with the introduction of our tailored service that helps landowners maximise their brownfield opportunity.”
Since a soft launch in December, Keon Homes has seen significant interest in the service, with numerous landowners seeking valuations. Several of these sites have already reached the valuation stage and could be brought to market in the next 12 months, supporting the Government’s target of building 1.2 million new homes.
Richard added: “Brownfield Reborn will clearly show you what your land is worth if it was released for much-needed development, providing not only an honest valuation but also the softer benefit of knowing you are helping play a role in solving some of the biggest issues facing society today.
“Our tried and tested system has already supported tens of landowners to understand the value of their land and secure a lasting legacy for their families and wider communities.”
Keon Homes is already involved in high-profile brownfield regeneration, including taking over the stalled £35 million Phase 3 Port Loop development in Birmingham, while FG+B is using its expertise in site sourcing and residential development consultancy to accelerate the process.
Andy Rhoades, Founder of FG+B, said: “Both partners are very sensitive to the legacy of sites and the local area, with Keon Homes’ award-winning development in Cambridge Street in Wolverhampton the perfect example of how we can marry the needs of now while retaining the traditions of the past.
“If you are a factory owner looking to relocate to more modern premises, a founder who has seen his business run its course, or a family that are sitting on a piece of brownfield land left to them, please contact one of our experts for an initial conversation. Together, we can regenerate brownfield sites first.”
