350 new all-electric homes are to be built on the historic MG Rover site by St Modwen using pioneering smart grid technology
St Modwen aims to deliver up to 350 new all-electric homes on the MG Rover site that was once home to the MINI in Birmingham.
Planning was first secured for the Longbridge site in 2021 for a total of 350 new homes. Details for the first phase are currently with the local authority and construction is expected to start in Autumn 2022.
Using ‘smart-grid’ technology to ensure the homes are gas-free and carbon-negative
The electricity powering the homes will be supplied and tracked across a network of homes in a ‘smart-grid’ to ensure the first phase of homes are 100% gas-free. The smart-grid design is being developed with SNRG.
St Modwen will be implementing construction techniques and renewable technologies used in a previous trial of carbon-negative homes, such as solar panels and heat pumps. The carbon-negative homes were designed to produce more energy than they consume and could reduce a family’s total energy bills by 76% when compared with a standard new-build three-bedroom house.
Sarwjit Sambhi, CEO of St. Modwen, commented: “We’re proving that greener homes can be delivered at commercial scale, something which is not just the right thing for the environment but also allows us to meet the demand of our customers.”
The all-electric homes development is part of wider investment in South Birmingham, creating new jobs and homes
Longbridge has become the site of extensive regeneration in recent years, with £20m of infrastructure investment in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
On completion of the regeneration, St. Modwen plans to create a total of 3,000 new homes, 2 million sq ft of commercial floorspace and up to 10,000 jobs at Longbridge.
Homes, retail, education and green spaces have been delivered in Longbridge, including work commencing on a large veterinary hospital, which will create over 100 new full-time jobs.
Andy Street, mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority, added: “Longbridge is a brilliant example that points the way to a more sustainable future for the West Midlands – fast becoming a fantastic hub from which to live, work and play as well as creating high quality job opportunities for our local residents along the way. I’m pleased the West Midlands Combined Authority has been able to play its part – investing over £6m at Longbridge. I wish the scheme continued success.”
