Vistry to deliver 750 homes on former Birmingham City Hospital site

Homes England has entered into a building lease with Vistry to deliver 750 homes and a retail unit on the site of the former City Hospital in Birmingham.

The scheme will see the demolition of most hospital buildings to make way for 698 new-build homes, while the former infirmary will be converted to provide 52 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Across the development, 35% of homes will be designated as affordable housing, delivered through a mix of tenures to meet local needs.

Planning permission for both the new-build element and the infirmary conversion is already in place.

The 16-acre site, which had been occupied by City Hospital for more than 130 years, was fully vacated following the opening of Midland Metropolitan Hospital in October 2024. Preparation works began in December 2025, starting with asbestos removal. Demolition will follow, with construction due to begin in the second half of 2026. The first homes are expected to be completed in early 2027.

Mike Goulding, director of development at Homes England, said the project represents a “new chapter” for a significant site, noting the delivery of affordable housing and the extensive collaboration required to decommission and prepare the location for redevelopment.

The transition from hospital to housing required coordination between Homes England, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Birmingham City Council.

Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing and homelessness, Cllr Nicky Brennan, described the development as “a fantastic example of what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision.”

Michael Moore, managing director at Vistry North West Midlands, said the scheme would regenerate a “challenging brownfield site” and bring new investment to the city. He added that the development supports government ambitions to deliver housing at scale and pace.

Diane Wake, group chief executive for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, acknowledged the historical significance of the City Hospital site, and said the new plans would allow the area to continue serving the community in a new form.

The project forms part of the wider regeneration of the West Birmingham and Smethwick Regeneration Corridor, in which the Midland Met hospital was a key anchor development.