Keon Homes has announced the start of a £28m regeneration scheme in Wolverhampton, using its appearance at UKREiiF to set out what it describes as a blueprint for unlocking challenging housing sites across the UK.
The Burntwood-based affordable housing developer will begin construction at the Heath Town site, redeveloping the former Duke of York pub into 32 one- and two-bedroom council apartments. The project forms part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s £1bn housing framework and represents the next phase of a wider £120m regeneration programme in the area.
The Heath Town programme is expected to deliver up to 120 new homes across five locations, building on earlier developments at Hobgate Road and Tithe Croft. The Duke of York site, which has stood vacant for several years, will be transformed into energy-efficient homes designed to meet modern standards while supporting community living through shared gardens, balconies and improved landscaping. The development is positioned as a gateway site into Wolverhampton city centre, with a strong emphasis on placemaking and accessibility.
Keon Homes is using the launch to highlight its delivery model, which combines modern construction methods with close collaboration between stakeholders and a focus on social value. The company believes this approach can be replicated in towns and cities facing similar regeneration challenges, particularly where sites are complex or have remained undeveloped for long periods.
Managing Director, Richard Williams, is set to speak at the Housing Delivery Showcase at UKREiiF, where he will outline how phased regeneration, mixed housing provision and long-term partnerships have enabled schemes like Heath Town to move forward. He said the Wolverhampton programme demonstrates how local authorities and developers can work together to accelerate housing delivery while creating lasting social impact.
The Duke of York development also follows the start of other major projects under the same framework, including schemes at New Park Village and Lincoln Green in Bushbury. In addition to its work in Wolverhampton, Keon Homes is continuing to expand its footprint across the region, with developments underway in areas such as Birmingham, Coventry, Lichfield and Telford.
The company will also use its presence at UKREiiF to discuss its wider regeneration work, including its involvement in the Port Loop development in partnership with Midland Heart and its plans for the refurbishment of the Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston.
Over the past seven years, Keon Homes has grown rapidly from a start-up into a significant player in the affordable housing sector. In the last year alone, the company completed 376 properties and has a further 250 homes currently under construction, marking its most active period to date.
With the Wolverhampton scheme now underway, Keon Homes is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to tackle housing shortages through scalable, partnership-led regeneration, using its experience to demonstrate how difficult sites can be successfully brought back into use to deliver high-quality, affordable homes.