Government fund aims to spur construction of nearly 6,000 homes in the next four years
RIBA has welcomed the creation of a £60m government pot to regenerate brownfield land which councils can bid for from today.
The Brownfield Land Release Fund aims to revive neglected urban areas and spur the construction of nearly 6,000 new homes by March 2027.
It is part of a larger £180m fund, of which £35m was allocated in November last year to 41 councils supporting 59 regeneration projects in towns across England.
RIBA president Simon Allford said: “We are pleased to hear details of the Government’s new Brownfield Land Release Fund to help deliver new homes and revitalise neglected parts of our cities.
”Regeneration must meet the needs of the communities it is built around - and this recognition of the history and future potential of these existing communities is key.”
But Allford added the new homes must be accessible, desirable and sustainable and said RIIBA would work closely with the government and the construction industry to ensure the new schemes meet the highest design quality and environmental standards.
He also said it was vital that planning departments are properly resourced to attract and retain qualified design expertise.
Applications for this round have to be in by 31 March 2023, with successful projects expected to be announced over the summer.
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