Swan Lane development progresses with first homes completed.
MIDLANDS developer Morro Partnerships has reached a key milestone at its Swan Lane development in Sandwell, with the first homes now being handed over as the scheme progresses towards completion later this year.
Located on a former gas works site in West Bromwich, the regeneration project is transforming a brownfield site into a modern, sustainable neighbourhood of 147 high-quality affordable homes, delivered in partnership with GreenSquareAccord (GSA).
The development is currently at the halfway stage and remains on track for completion before the end of the year, marking a significant step forward in the delivery of much-needed housing for the local area.
Alongside housing delivery, the project is already generating substantial community impact. To date, Swan Lane has achieved more than £305,000 in social value, exceeding initial expectations and demonstrating Morro Partnerships’ commitment to creating long-term benefits for the communities in which it operates. Last year, the development took home the social impact award at the Insider Media Midlands Residential Property Awards, highlighting the project’s positive impact on the local community.
Abdul Mozzamdar, head of social purpose at Morro Partnerships, said: “Reaching the stage where homes are now being handed over is a significant milestone for Swan Lane. It reflects the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this complex brownfield site forward and delivering high-quality homes for the community.
“What’s particularly important is that this progress is being matched by meaningful social value, supporting local people through apprenticeships, skills development, education and community initiatives. Swan Lane shows how regeneration projects can deliver not just homes, but long-term opportunity and impact for local communities.”
Social value activity at the scheme has been delivered across a range of targeted initiatives and responsible business practices. This includes supporting local talent through apprenticeships and training opportunities, with five new apprentice hires from within a 30-mile radius of the site, alongside additional T Level and higher-level apprenticeship provision.
The project has also supported local education and skills development, hosting 60 students for site visits and delivering engagement activity with schools and colleges. A total of 737 hours of career mentoring and engagement have been provided, helping to inspire the next generation into construction careers.
Community collaboration has been a key focus, with Morro working alongside local organisations including Chapter House, a homelessness charity, through donations of furnishings, equipment and volunteering support to improve community spaces. Additional initiatives have included school donations, site engagement visits and contributions to local improvements.
Morro’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the project’s environmental performance, with 100% of waste recycled and over 90 tonnes of hard-to-recycle waste diverted from landfill through specialist partnerships, alongside the reuse of materials on site.
The development recently welcomed the Mayor of the West Midlands on a high-profile site visit alongside key stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration in delivering both housing and wider skills development and regional growth.
Carl Taylor, assistant director of new business at GSA, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed our first customers to Swan Lane. This brownfield site has been unlocked through partnership working, transforming disused industrial land into a thriving community of new homes.
“Our Swan Lane scheme meets a variety of local housing needs by providing 41 two- and 24 three-bedroom houses, along with 17 one- and 65 two-bedroom apartments.”
While Swan Lane is a flagship project, Morro continues to apply this approach across its wider portfolio. At Yardley Brook, a four-year, near 300-home development in Birmingham, initiatives such as the Construction Gateway are helping local people gain skills and secure long-term employment in the construction industry.
These projects underline Morro Partnerships’ ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable regeneration, supporting local communities, and creating lasting social value alongside high-quality homes.