The first residents are moving into homes at Wavensmere's Canalside South development in Wolverhampton, a £150m regeneration scheme on a former derelict industrial site off Qualcast Road, next to the transport interchange.
By mid 2030, the scheme will deliver 533 energy efficient houses and apartments, along with commercial and community amenities. The development sits between the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton Branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal, offering many homes waterside views.
Sales and investment
Of the 378 family houses at the scheme, 50% have already been sold off plan. Kennedy Wilson, a global real estate investment company, has purchased 131 plots for rental homes.
Three-bedroom 'Elizabeth' family homes are priced at £290,000 for mid terrace houses and £295,000 for end of terrace properties.
Construction progress
Construction commenced in early 2025. Over £25m has been invested on land assembly, remediation, site enabling, groundworks and construction. Over 100 construction tradespeople are working on site five days a week, many from Wolverhampton and the surrounding Black Country boroughs.
Wavensmere is delivering the scheme in three phases, progressing sequentially from east to west to minimise disruption to the surrounding community. All roads and service infrastructure are in place for the first phase. By the end of 2027, all 153 houses in phase one will be completed and occupied.
Partnership and vision
The site was established through a partnership between City of Wolverhampton Council and the Canal & River Trust. The scheme includes new canalside walking routes opening into the adjacent train station and transport interchange.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: "The huge demand to live at Canalside South – a former derelict industrial site that was a blot on Wolverhampton's landscape – speaks volumes about the appeal of this superbly connected city centre."
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: "The council, working with the Canal & River Trust, set out a clear plan and assembled derelict brownfield sites along our canal network with a vision to bring them back to life. This is one of the largest new housing developments in the Midlands, creating hundreds of jobs for local people."
