Over the past year, the council’s Empty Homes Team has successfully brought 340 empty properties back into use.

Long‑term empty homes often fall into disrepair, attract fly‑tipping, and can become hotspots for anti‑social behaviour, creating challenges for neighbourhoods. Council tax records show around 5,200 privately-owned homes in Birmingham have been empty for two years or more.

The council recently brought a property back into use in Perry Barr, which was left vacant after its former occupier moved into residential care. Over time, the home deteriorated significantly, with issues including an unstable sidewall, an overgrown garden attracting fly‑tipping and vermin, and reports of squatters.

The empty home in Perry Barr when it had fallen into disrepair.

The council intervened to improve the condition of the garden, remove the unsafe sidewall and start the process of auctioning the property. Efforts were made to trace the beneficiaries following the former occupier’s death. However, due to limited leasehold time remaining, no claim was made. Once the leasehold expired, the council took enforcement action against the freeholder, resulting in the leasehold registration being removed and the property being made available for auction.

The home has since been fully renovated by the new owners and is now back in use, improving the appearance and safety of the area.

Now that the home has been sold at auction, the new occupants have renovated it.

Councillor Nicky Brennans, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“Homes that stand empty in Birmingham can be a blight on local communities. They attract fly-tippers, burglars, vandals, and squatters. They can be a cause of anti-social behaviour and are often an eyesore in a neighbourhood, contributing to its decline and devaluing other people’s homes nearby.

“Bringing a home back into use can be a long and complicated process, but it is vital work that is needed at a time of unprecedented housing demand.

“We will always try to work with owners of empty homes to bring them back into use. However, we will undertake compulsory purchase orders as a last resort to protect people and their communities.

“I would urge anyone who knows about empty homes to report them to us by emailing  emptyproperty@birmingham.gov.uk or calling 0121 303 7978.”

A total of 95 affordable homes, including some proposed for social rent and some in shared ownership, are to be built on site.

Keon Homes will work with housing association, Midland Heart, to build the 95-strong mix of apartments (1 and 2 beds) and family homes (2, 3 and 4 beds).

Under the plans, the site of the former Tower Ballroom will be transformed into a fully accessible public walkway and square.

Additionally, the development will feature an enhanced landscaping area of at least 25m on the water’s edge that could improve the local nature reserve provision.

Construction work is expected to start in early 2027, with the development forming part of a wider project set to create 3,000 new homes across key Birmingham sites.

Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:

“The Tower Ballroom redevelopment aims to create a vibrant new community, offering high‑quality energy efficient affordable homes and attractive outdoor spaces. It will give residents the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of waterside living while remaining just a short distance from the city centre.

“Delivering more decent affordable homes for Birmingham families is a key priority for this council. Every project like this helps us move closer to our goal of building 2,000 homes a year that create thriving communities and transform people’s lives.

“We have consulted extensively with the public over many years to regenerate the area – and we have listened to the feedback and made changes to the development to deliver a site.”

Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, added:

“In the last year alone, the council has delivered 1,000 affordable homes. I am delighted to see that the plans for Tower Ballroom will continue that delivery by building 95 high-quality, affordable homes on such an attractive and historic site.”

An artist’s impression of what the development on the site of the former Tower Ballroom might look like.

In addition to creating much-needed affordable housing, Keon Homes is committed to creating a landmark scheme for one of Birmingham’s most iconic developments.

This will include two areas of attractive landscaping, which will enhance the biodiversity of the local area whilst creating green spaces that can be utilised by the local community.

Plans have also been lodged to refurbish the Grade II listed Reservoir Lodge into a new hub that will house communal areas and meeting spaces for local charities and community groups.

Oliver Thompson, Senior Land Manager at Keon Homes, said:

“We are delighted to have finally exchanged contracts on this historic and distinctive development site within Birmingham, adding to our growing portfolio of schemes across the Midlands.

“This milestone reflects the huge amount of work that has been undertaken by all parties, including months of collaboration between Birmingham City Council, Midland Heart and ourselves.

“The focus now is on submitting our planning application for the scheme, with the genuine hope of starting the development in early 2027, eventually delivering 95 high-quality homes alongside attractive landscaped areas and public open space to benefit the local community.”

The development forms part of Midland Heart’s wider £295 million investment programme in Birmingham, which will deliver 1,200 new affordable homes by 2028. The Tower Ballroom site is a particularly important milestone, as the organisation plans to build on the learnings from its low‑carbon Project 80 developments and create a net‑zero neighbourhood of scale, well ahead of incoming national sustainability standards.

Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive at Midland Heart, said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Birmingham City Council and Keon Homes to bring forward plans for this landmark site. The former Tower Ballroom is an iconic location in the city’s landscape and transforming it into much‑needed affordable homes marks an important step for Birmingham.

“This is also where we plan to deliver our next generation of sustainable homes. The scheme is being designed to meet a new national net zero standard coming into force in 2026 and, to our knowledge, will be among the first in the country to adopt this standard.”

Joe Williams, Director at Avison Young, said:

“We’re proud to have supported Birmingham City Council Officers on this important disposal. The opportunity to redevelop a waterside location, overlooking Edgbaston Reservoir, is unique, and we are delighted to have secured Keon Homes alongside Midland Heart on behalf of the Council.

“The project will not only deliver 95 high-quality, affordable homes, but also promises to further activate the waterfront with the delivery of much-needed commercial and community use space, as well as improving the landscape, which serves to enhance the experience for all visitors to the Reservoir.”

• Proposals include over 5,000 homes, up to 8,000 jobs, over 400,000 sqm of commercial floorspace and over 7 hectares of new public space.
• A new Birmingham Central Heart Prospectus sets out plans to transform around four hectares of under-used retail and office space at the heart of the city into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, supported by new transport connections, green spaces and public realm improvements.

Joanne Roney CBE said: The Birmingham Central Heart Prospectus outlines one of the most exciting investment opportunities in the UK, but it is not just about buildings.

“Our message to investors is clear; if you want to back a growing, youthful, diverse city with a clear plan and a strong partnership between the council, business and communities, Birmingham is the place to invest.

Transforming Birmingham’s ‘Central Heart’

The area will act as a key gateway between HS2 Curzon Street Station, the Bullring, New Street Station, the Colmore Business District and the wider city centre, with new linear green routes, safer streets for walking and cycling and better links to employment, education and cultural destinations.

The ambition is to double green space in the central area, creating new places to relax, play and meet in the city’s busiest streets.

Access the Birmingham Central Heart Prospectus.

By promoting these opportunities on the international stage, Birmingham City Council aims to support private sector investment that will directly benefit residents across Birmingham, including: ​

• Delivering thousands of new homes, including city centre living close to jobs, education and transport links, helping to tackle housing pressures.
• Create around 8,000 new jobs in sectors such as professional and financial services, tech, hospitality, retail and construction, building on Birmingham’s growing reputation as a major UK business hub.
• Unlock major improvements to streets, squares and green spaces, including safer, more accessible routes for walking, wheeling and cycling and better connections to public transport.
• Support local shops, cafes, cultural venues and small businesses by increasing footfall and extending activity into the evenings in a safer and better lit environment.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “Residents rightly expect us to focus on delivering better housing, safer streets and more secure, better paid jobs. Securing responsible investment into Birmingham Central Heart is one of the most effective ways we can deliver those priorities.

“Our aim is to turn empty or outdated buildings into new homes, workplaces and green spaces that serve our communities.

“We are clear that this is about inclusive, sustainable growth and working with our Mayoral Development Corporation, Business Improvement Districts, landowners, communities and public sector partners so that regeneration raises standards, protects our heritage and delivers real social value for Birmingham people.”

 

Birmingham Central Heart sits within the emerging Central Heart Growth Zone of the Birmingham Local Plan and is aligned with the Central Birmingham Framework 2045 and the Economy and Place Strategy, which identifies the area as critical to the city’s long-term growth.

Plans are also being brought forward to establish the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation, a new statutory body expected to be formally in place by 2027, which will help accelerate regeneration, co‑ordinate infrastructure and unlock funding across Birmingham Central Heart, Digbeth and the wider east Birmingham and North Solihull area.

The council is working closely with regional and national partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority and government backed finance institutions, to link Central Heart projects with appropriate funding streams.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “There’s never been a better time to invest in the West Midlands. With record funding and new devolved powers, we are moving faster than ever to transform our region through projects like Central Heart Birmingham.

“My focus is not on grand visions that sit on paper, it’s on delivering prosperity that reaches all communities. That’s more homes, better-paid jobs, and the right infrastructure to give everyone the best opportunity to get on in life.

“We already have the confidence of the private sector with billions of pounds of investment coming into the Sports Quarter and Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, and we’ll go even further with Central Heart Birmingham as part of the HS2-led regeneration of the city.”

Ian Mulcahey, Cities and Urban Design Leader, Strategy Director and Principal at Gensler, said: “The sign of a healthy city is one that has the agility to embrace change.

“Birmingham has the scale, ambition and momentum to compete on a global stage, and Central Heart provides investors with the clarity and confidence to support the next chapter of the city’s growth.”

Alex Neale, Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Group, said: “Birmingham Central Heart represents a compelling long-term investment opportunity for the city.

“By bringing together a clear strategic vision, strong public-private collaboration and a prime city-centre location, the prospectus sets out a framework capable of unlocking significant economic growth and inward investment.”

The first ball of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be bowled at Edgbaston on 12 June, as hosts England take on Sri Lanka – and yesterday the famous Birmingham venue marked the 100-day countdown transforming its iconic scoreboard into a huge 100-day countdown.

The moment sparked a wave of scoreboard transformations across the country and around the world, signalling the start of the final run-up to one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for an electrifying summer of women’s cricket, with excitement building ahead of the opening match.

England Women captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, was joined by teammates Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Filer for the countdown in Birmingham, where fans will witness world-class sport, incredible action and a global celebration of women’s cricket.

Countdown scoreboards also appeared simultaneously at cricket grounds across host cities in the UK including Old Trafford Cricket Ground (Manchester), Headingley (Leeds), Hampshire Bowl (Southampton), Bristol County Ground (Bristol), The Oval (London), and Lord’s (London). Iconic global cricket grounds such as Sydney Cricket Ground (Australia), Eden Gardens (India) and Gaddafi Stadium (Pakistan) also followed suit transforming their scoreboards with the digital design.

Beth Barrett-Wild, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Tournament Director said, “In just 100 days, England and Wales will host the best female cricketers on the planet, for an unmissable sporting spectacle. With over 115,000 tickets already sold, excitement and momentum is building behind a tournament that’s ready to capture the hearts and minds of the nation and propel women’s cricket firmly into the sporting mainstream.”

England Women captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said “There’s nothing bigger than a home World Cup. To kick off at Edgbaston, in front of our fans, makes it even more special. We’re building something really strong as a group, and we’re going all out to win another World Cup on home soil and give our fans a moment they will remember forever.

We need our supporters behind us – so get your tickets now and help create a roaring home crowd cheering us on!”

This summer, fans can expect to see the world’s best cricketing talent battle it out across England and Wales, with teams from across the globe competing for the ultimate prize. With fierce rivalries, high‑stakes matches and a festival‑like atmosphere at every venue, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be one of the most unmissable sporting moments of the year.

Get ready to catch the spirit this summer. Secure your tickets for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup here: tickets.womens.t20worldcup.com

This follows a successful year of partnership work tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and supporting vulnerable individuals.

The Community Safety Officers have operated at the station since 2024, playing a central role in making the station safer and more welcoming for passengers, staff, and the wider public.

Delivering a safer station environment

Over the past year, the team has:

• Contributed to a reduction in ASB levels at the station
• Improved the overall passenger experience
• Strengthened multi-agency working with train operators, British Transport Police, station management, and outreach organisations
• Supported vulnerable individuals through specialist referrals.

Network Rail has renewed funding for the team for a further 12 months, allowing the partnership to continue building on these positive outcomes throughout 2026.

How the team works

Operating under the principles of the “Three E’s” — Engage, Educate, Enforce (as a last resort), officers focus on prevention, early intervention, and problem-solving. Working with the Community Safety Teams delegated powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, enabling them to enforce Public Space Protection Orders and issue Community Protection Notices.

Protection Warnings and Notices

The officers also work closely with organisations including Trident Outreach, St Basils, Change Grow Live, and local Business Improvement Districts to ensure individuals with support needs are linked into appropriate services.

Councillor Jamie Scott, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

“The renewal of this contract is excellent news for the city and for everyone who uses Birmingham New Street Station. Our dedicated Community Safety Officers have made a real difference in reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting vulnerable people.

“Through this strong partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and other local partners. Birmingham New Street is one of the key entrances to our city and we are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents, commuters and visitors alike.”

Steven Ireland, head of stations, security and customer relationship management for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “Birmingham New Street is one of the country’s busiest stations, and keeping it safe and welcoming is a shared priority.

“The Community Safety Officers have become a valued presence, helping to reduce anti‑social behaviour while offering the right support to people who need it most.

“We’re pleased to continue working closely with Birmingham City Council and our partners to build on the positive progress made over the past two years.”

Following extraordinary early interest in this summer’s European Athletics Championships, organisers today confirmed that additional seating structures will be installed at the Alexander Stadium, allowing more fans than ever to experience Europe’s finest athletes competing for continental glory.

Demand for tickets has exceeded all expectations, with allocations for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening sessions already sold out, and many other sessions approaching capacity.

To ensure more supporters can be part of this landmark moment for the West Midlands and for athletics, the expanded capacity means every session will return to General Sale at 10am on Wednesday 4 March — just over five months before the UK hosts the European Athletics Championships for the very first time.

Fans can secure priority access ahead of the crowds by signing up for the 24-hour pre-sale on Monday 2 March at www.Birmingham26.com.

The European Athletics Championships will bring world-class athletes from across the continent to Birmingham from 10-16 August 2026. With European titles on the line, the competition is set to be one of the most exciting and prestigious sporting events of the year.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium is the UK’s largest dedicated athletics venue, and with even more seats now being released for the upcoming European Championships, we are thrilled that more Brummies and visitors will be able to experience the excitement of a buzzing Alexander Stadium this summer. It is championship year, and this year Birmingham is looking forward to giving a warm Brummie welcome to everyone.”

Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said:

“It’s incredibly exciting to be able to open up even more seats for fans. The Alexander Stadium is already a world-class venue and knowing it will be even more packed out for some of the best athletes on the planet is truly special. The energy that Birmingham brings to major events is unmatched, and these additional seats mean thousands more people can be part of what will be an unforgettable, history-making week of athletics.”

Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sprinter, Zharnel Hughes, who competed in Birmingham in 2022, added:

“Anyone who raced here during the 2022 summer will never forget the noise. When a full stadium gets behind British athletes, the atmosphere is electric – it lifts you in a way that’s hard to describe. Knowing the stands will be even bigger next August is incredible. UK fans are the best in the world, and I can’t wait to feel that roar again at the European Championships.”

Ticket Information: 

• All sessions back on sale: 10am on Wednesday 4 March
• For priority access, sign up at www.birmingham26.com to join the pre-sale on Monday 2 March
• Event dates: 10-16 August 2026

For the home crowd, there is even more to shout about: Great Britain & Northern Ireland are the most successful nation in European Athletics Championships history, and the class of 2026 promises to deliver another unforgettable medal haul.
This is the perfect chance to ‘Catch Greatness’  – to roar on your favourites, witness history in the making, and be part of an atmosphere only a major championship can bring.

Intensified early intervention efforts within city centre HEX hotspots, formed part of the Home Office funded national HEX programme focused on high risk, data identified areas and saw interactions with more than 500 people.

Partners involved included: Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, West Midlands Police (WMP), West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Air Ambulance, Guiding Young Minds (Youth Bus), Birmingham Youth Service, E R Mason, Purple Diamond, Aquarius, BCC Public Participation Team, Crimestoppers, Public Health, Community Foundation, and Positive Impact Development (PID), all working collectively to create safe spaces, deliver outreach and reduce harm.

This expanded activity built planned safety interventions across the city centre, which include increased knife bins and bleed kits, improved lighting, enhanced CCTV, detached youth workers out and about. The activity also saw a partnership response within the night time economy, the creation of Safe Spaces, the introduction of the Walk Safe app and many more interventions to increase safety and reduce knife crime in the city centre.

A collective partner-led diversionary programme

During the half-term, partners jointly delivered a coordinated programme of visible outreach, safe space provision and diversionary activity across the Birmingham city centre HEX zones, which included:

• Regular street based sport and recreation popups, including portable football, basketball and other multisport equipment, creating safe, supervised points of engagement for young people.
• A Chill Zone tent offering a protected social environment with music, seating and informal recreation to reduce exposure to unsafe locations.
• Daily engagement from trusted adults, youth workers, mentors and outreach teams offering advice, information, emotional support and pathways into longer term provision.
• Supported transitions into fixed youth spaces such as Community Foundation and Positive Impact Development gym, where young people accessed 1‑1 mentoring, employment guidance, CV support and additional activities.
• Chaperoned group activities, including visits to local sports venues and food establishments, enabling safer mentoring conversations and positive relationship building
• Engagement with schools and colleges across the city centre
• Continued engagement with young people already known to partners through previous outreach, allowing for consistency and sustained intervention.

Through this collaborative model, partners collectively maintained visible, youth led engagement across multiple HEX zones, ensuring continuity of support for young people most at risk of exploitation, harm or unsafe peer environments.

A coordinated approach to reducing harm

The combined efforts supported Birmingham’s wider city centre safety plan, which integrates prevention, engagement, education, enforcement and environmental improvements, including enhanced CCTV, improved street lighting and regular reassurance patrols.

This approach aligned with national guidance emphasising evidence based early intervention as essential for reducing knife crime and creating safer public environments. Regional analysis had previously highlighted significant challenges in Birmingham, including rising knife possession and the long-term effects of youth service reductions. These concerns were further illustrated through local HEX zone monitoring data: when the project began in October, there had been six reported knife crime incidents, followed by four reports in November, one in December, and one in January. This trend underscored both the ongoing risks and the critical importance of the visible, coordinated activity delivered over half term, helping partners to maintain a strong presence during a period where preventative action remained essential.

Councillor Jamie Scott, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

“This phase of the Hyper Local Knife Crime Project demonstrates the power of a united partnership approach.

“By bringing together statutory agencies, youth specialists and community based organisations, we created safe spaces, offered meaningful interventions and provided vital support to young people in the heart of our city.

“The collective effort of all of our partners who helped make this happen is key to making Birmingham safer for everyone.”

In his new portfolio, Councillor Scott will lead the Council’s work to improve community safety, strengthen equality and inclusion across the city, and champion initiatives designed to tackle social injustice and support Birmingham’s diverse communities.

Councillor Scott brings significant experience to the role with a background in the charitable and public sector. Since his election he has campaigned on a range of issues and has been recognised for his commitment to supporting vulnerable residents, working collaboratively with community groups, and advocating for fairer outcomes across the city.

Councillor Scott has been championing residents in his ward and speaking up for the most vulnerable people in the city. He has campaigned on a number of issues including housing, antisocial behaviour and speeding since his election and has been working collaboratively with community groups and advocating for fairer outcomes across the city.

He has sat on the council’s audit and planning committees and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Speaking on his appointment, Councillor Jamie Scott said:

“I am honoured to take on this important role at a critical time for Birmingham. Our communities deserve to feel safe, supported and valued.

“I look forward to working closely with partners, residents and organisations across the city to ensure that fairness, inclusion and safety are at the heart of everything we do.”

Responsibilities under the Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities portfolio include:

• Leading citywide strategies on equality, diversity and inclusion
• Working with West Midlands Police and community safety partners to reduce crime and anti‑social behaviour
• Supporting initiatives that strengthen community cohesion
• Overseeing programmes that address social injustice and improve outcomes for marginalised groups
• Championing policies that advance fairness and equal opportunity

Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Jamie into the Cabinet. The residents of Bournbrook & Selly Park know what a talented and hard-working councillor he is and he will shine in his new role as Cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.”

Councillor Scott will begin his new responsibilities with immediate effect.