Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites and to increase its house building by 50% across the West Midlands.  

As a strategic partner, Keepmoat will build a range of different tenure homes.

The memorandum of understanding commits Keepmoat to at least 70% of the workforce coming from within a 30-mile radius, while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible.  

In March, a ground-breaking Deeper Devolution Deal was secured between WMCA and Central Government, giving WMCA wide-ranging new powers and additional funding in excess of £1.5bn to level up the West Midlands. 

Charlotte Goode, divisional chair for Keepmoat West Midlands & East Midlands, said: “As part of our development work with WMCA, we’re already building a minimum of 1,000 new homes at price points that are accessible to people including first-time buyers.

“Working as a strategic partner of WMCA, we are actively pursuing net zero carbon developments, with schemes incorporating climate adaptation measures that respond to the short and long-term impact of climate change. These zero carbon standards go above and beyond the 2025 Future Homes Standards and help contribute to WM2041.”

The homebuilder’s investment into the West Midlands will support the West Midlands target of delivering 215,000 new homes by 2031.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands has been incredibly successful in recent years at regenerating old brownfield sites to build new, affordable homes – so much so that we are currently on track to meet our ambitious 2031 housing target. 

“However now is the time to double down on our success – not ease off – and so I am delighted we have been able to sign this deal with Keepmoat that will see even more homes, jobs, and investment come to the region. 

“Working together with Keepmoat we will breathe life into derelict brownfield sites, helping to protect our precious greenbelt while providing affordable, energy efficient, good quality homes and jobs for local people.”