The UK Government has announced that they will commit £68m to unlock brownfield sites across 54 local authorities
The Government has taken a step to supporting its goal of 1.5m homes by pledging £68m to unlock brownfield sites.
The investment, announced by Keir Starmer, will be spread through 54 councils and local authorities to turn neglected land into new homes.
The investment intends to transform local communities
The funding will allow councils to clear empty buildings, renew former carparks, and old industrial land. Normally these sites would require expensive preparatory works, which stops action from being taken. The funding intends to counteract that to unlock brownfield sites.
Keir Starmer said: “From the outset we promised to get this country building again to deliver 1.5m homes over this parliament and help tackle the housing crisis we have inherited. That is the essence of fixing the foundations and driving growth.
“I said this government is on the side of the builders, not the blockers. And I meant it. This funding for councils will see disused sites and industrial wastelands transformed into thousands of new homes in places that people want to live and work. Our brownfield-first approach will not only ramp up housebuilding but also create more jobs, deliver much-needed infrastructure, and boost economic growth across the country.
“This government is rolling up its sleeves and delivering the change the British people deserve.”
The industry welcomes unlocking brownfield sites
Dave Dargan, co-founder and CEO of Starship, said: “With the Labour government’s first budget just weeks away, I am pleased to see that Sir Keir Starmer has committed to investing £68m to unlock brownfield sites for house building. The sharp increase in these underused brownfield sites has made this investment a critical step toward tackling the housing shortage and regenerating neglected areas. The Prime Minister’s pledge to support ‘builders, not blockers’ appears to be coming to fruition with this announcement, promising not just new sustainable homes, but also more jobs, increased investment in urban areas, and a much-needed boost to economic growth.”
Sean Keyes, CEO of Sutcliffe: “I am encouraged by the government’s £68m commitment to unlocking brownfield sites for house building. Ahead of Rachel Reeves’ first budget later this month, this investment marks a crucial step towards addressing the housing shortage while breathing new life into neglected urban spaces. With a shortfall of 4.3m homes, focusing on turning neglected land into new homes will play a key role in driving sustainable development. This investment will not only address the housing gap, but also pave the way for vital infrastructure projects, job creation, and increased economic growth.”
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