Major step forward for homes on another brownfield site

A former Stoke-on-Trent school site which has been vacant for almost two decades is being given a new lease of life as a brand-new housing estate for almost 120 homes.

Plans to transform the former Brookhouse Green Primary School site in Wellfield Road, Bentilee, into 117 new, affordable homes were approved in April as part of the city council's mission to ensure everyone has access to a decent home. 

Now the authority has entered into a pre-construction services agreement with GRAHAM – and work is expected to start on site before the start of next year.

The national company will work collaboratively with the council to ensure that homes are of high quality and energy efficient.

The plans include a mix of homes for older people to live independently, dormer bungalows, apartments and family houses. Construction is expected to last approximately two years.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: “We have got a fantastic opportunity here to transform derelict brownfield land into new homes, creating new jobs and a sense of community.

“We know people are in desperate need of new, affordable homes so I’m delighted that we have appointed GRAHAM and we are looking forward to working with them in future.

“By working together, we’re making great strides to bring much-needed new homes to the city to ensure families can live their best lives now and in the future.”

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, ward councillor for Bentilee, Ubberley and Townsend, added: “The redevelopment of this site will make a massive difference to local residents. This is a large piece of land which has been empty since the old school closed back in 2006, so I’m really pleased to see progress being made to bring it back into use.”

The Wellfield Road site was deemed surplus to requirements in 2020. The redevelopment is being supported by a £1.8 million government grant from the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2.

Ronan Hughes, Regional Director at GRAHAM,said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to bring this long-vacant site back into productive use.

“By delivering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient homes, we’re helping to address local housing needs and support wider regeneration goals. This project is a great example of how collaboration can unlock social value and long-term benefits for communities.”