We need your help to record the history of Brandwood End!
31/10/2007

Do you remember what it was like in the early days?
What were the homes like when they became damp and defective?
How has the new housing changed life at Brandwood End?

We would love to hear from you if you have any old photographs or memories to share.

Please email matt.kinson@waterloo.org.uk

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Residents celebrate 10th anniversary of new homes drive
08/10/2007

Community spirit was flying high when neighbours and housing officials joined together to recognise the achievements of an energetic and dedicated residents’ group.

Celebrations were in full swing when the Brandwood End Development Group marked its tenth anniversary.

The group was formed ten years ago to drive a pioneering £17 million regeneration project in Kings Heath.

An impressive 153 affordable new homes are already complete thanks to the successful partnership between residents, Waterloo Housing Association and Birmingham City Council.

Residents of the estate turned out in full force to enjoy the event and Steve McCabe, MP for Hall Green, praised the efforts of the group over the past decade.

“It is so rewarding to look at Brandwood End and see what has been achieved through vision, determination and a thriving partnership,” he said.

“Everyone here today should be extremely proud because this project is a model for how we should proceed in housing development.”

Taking inspiration from the Arts and Crafts style of housing in Bournville, residents have shaped the innovative development. They chose the look they wanted and worked with the project’s architect to develop a unique design for their new homes.

They have continued to be involved in all aspects of the redevelopment, from agreeing initial house and street plans, to approving landscaping and decorative finishes for homes.

The flagship regeneration project, due for completion in 2010, is seeing defective and ageing council properties replaced by 300 desirable, modern homes.

Stephen Walters, chairman of the EDG, said: “It is a very emotional day for me and one of great celebration for the area.

“We’ve come a long way since those initial meetings ten years ago and I want to thank everyone involved for making this such a successful development.

“We are well on the way to delivering a new quality of life in Kings Heath, and it is now our aim to invoke a sense of community spirit.”

Guests gathered in a marquee on the village green in Sunderton Road and enjoyed music from jazz trio Carte Blanche and a buffet lunch.

Plans were unveiled for a commemorative piece of urban artwork to recognise the efforts of the Brandwood End Development Group and members also made their mark by leaving concrete handprints in celebration.

Children from nearby St Albans Primary School entertained guests with their singing.

Tony Taylor, chief executive of Waterloo Housing Association, said: “Members of Brandwood End Development Group have helped change lives for the better through their vision and community spirit.

“We are now getting a real sense of the vibrant urban village that Brandwood End has become and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this a reality.”

The trail-blazing project has not only transformed homes, but has also created training and jobs in the construction industry for local people.

The anniversary celebration took place on 5th October.

Picture 1: Tony Taylor, Steve McCabe and Steve Walters with residents of Brandwood End
Picture 2: The cake.

On the record: Peter Eustace
03/01/2007

Ever wondered who the people are behind the regeneration at Brandwood End? A key member of the Waterloo team is Estate Caretaker Peter Eustace, who talks about his role.

What does your job entail?
I help keep the estate clean and tidy, and also carry out minor property repairs for residents. I regularly patrol the area, talking to residents, answering their queries, and if it’s something I can’t help with myself, I’ll put them in touch with someone who can.
What attracted you to the post?
I’d been made redundant following the closure of the Rover factory at Longbridge, so this job came along at just the right time. I saw it advertised on the Waterloo website.
After 42 years inside in factories, I was also ready to work outside! I’ve had previous experience of hard landscaping, and doing odd garden and maintenance jobs for friends and family, so was over the moon when I was offered the post.
What do you enjoy most about it?
Meeting local residents - the vast majority of who are good and kind people. I’m regularly offered cups of tea!
How can residents help you?
If they have a problem, by telling me or phoning the office as soon as possible. I can only deal with it if I know about it! The other thing people can do is check with the council which days rubbish bags
are collected, so they’re not left out for days at a time.
What do you think of Brandwood End as it is now,compared to before?
It looks wonderful, and residents are always telling me how warm and comfortable their new homes are.

Peter Eustace will be based mainly at Brandwood End, but will also oversee other local Waterloo estates. He will work on Mondays and Tuesdays, and a half day on Fridays.

Picture 1: Helping Hand
Picture 2: Peter Eustace

No place like home
20/04/2006

Tenant Bernadette Connolly and partner Paul Parkes are ‘cooking on gas’ thanks to their new Waterloo home at Brandwood End.

For Bernadette, the number one attraction of the three-bedroom semi, is their fully fitted kitchen where the design and intelligent use of space, allow her plenty of room to whip up gourmet delights for their family of three children.

The family also think highly of an effective air-treatment system which makes condensation (which resulted in mould in their old house) a thing of the past.

Bernadette said: “Our old house was freezing in winter, and had just one gas fire downstairs – whereas this one is warm, comfortable and cosy. It’s a gorgeous neighbourhood – very clean and tidy, and really friendly. People are taking great pride in their community.”

Picture 1: Bernadette Connolly at home in her kitchen
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