NHBC hosts Longbridge: Transforming brownfield into a thriving community event in Birmingham

NHBC, the UK’s largest provider of new home warranties and insurance, recently hosted an event in Birmingham to showcase how it works with the industry to bring brownfield sites into residential use and help drive delivery of quality new homes.

Attracting more than 40 attendees and starting at the Westmead Hotel, it brought together leaders from the development, contracting and investment sectors to explore the challenges and opportunities of land remediation. Focusing on the Government’s ‘Brownfield First’ agenda and increased targets for home building delivery, attendees were presented with expert insights into how policy shifts are shaping the future of land development.

The event incorporated a technical panel discussion on land regeneration hosted by Karen Thornton, Land Quality Services Manager at NHBC, alongside key stakeholders who specialise in brownfield remediation and regeneration schemes intended for residential development. The group explored overcoming challenges on land with complex ground conditions and impacts from historic industrial activities, and included representatives from Vistry, McAuliffe Group, and Rodgers Leask.

Andrew Milsom, Sector Lead for Local Authorities at NHBC, hosted a further panel discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities of brownfield development. With representatives from WMCA Housing, Vistry and Sigma Capital, the panel discussed in detail the viability of brownfield schemes.

NHBC’s Land Quality Service team also showcased its expertise and demonstrated how it can support housing delivery on sites of a challenging nature. Attendees had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the former Austin Works, part of Europe’s largest car manufacturing factory, learn how it’s being redeveloped into a vibrant residential community and see first-hand how NHBC is supporting Vistry in its approach to transforming the site, working with stakeholders to identify risks and add value.

Karen Thorton, Land Quality Services Manager at NHBC commented: “I’d like to thank everyone who attended our event in Birmingham and express my gratitude to Vistry for allowing us to see the fantastic work being undertaken at the former Austin Works. This event highlighted the potential brownfield sites have for quality new homes and showcased the many ways NHBC can assist in bringing schemes on challenging sites to fruition.

Andrew Milsom, Sector Lead for Local Authorities at NHBC commented: “It was fantastic to welcome such a mix of people from across the industry at our recent event. The important role of brownfield sites in residential development is more widely understood now and, with the Government’s ambitious house building targets, developers and local authorities alike are recognising fresh opportunities for building.”

The Longbridge: Transforming brownfield into a thriving community event video is available to view here.

The NHBC Land Quality Service removes the uncertainty about whether a site is suitable for future housing development. Get in touch to find out how NHBC can help at lq@nhbc.co.uk.