A partnership between Birmingham City Council and Berkeley Group, the £2.2bn Ladywood regeneration project has been described as the city’s “most significant redevelopment opportunity” in a generation.
With planning approval expected this year, work could begin on the 20-year project in 2028. As part of the agreement, 70 per cent of existing homes in Ladywood are due to be refurbished or replaced with the project promising 10,000 new jobs.
Facing the threat of demolition, The Vine Inn, on Ruston Street, was approached by an artist in April who wanted to raise awareness about the project outside the pub.
It reads: “Protect the future of Ladywood from gentrification. Protect from forced displacement, loss of community, loss of social housing. Also… save local pubs.
“Join the fight back. Birmingham fair housing campaign.”
Speaking to BirminghamLive, publican Demi Devine said she was ‘none the wiser’ whether The Vine Inn would survive the ambitious project.
She said: “I had a meeting last year and it felt like they weren’t answering questions thrown to them. I asked ‘will businesses know first’ and they said ‘we’ll know by early autumn’, nothing came of that.
“I’ve seen a model with pinpoints of different locations in the project. There were rows of shops and the community centre pinpointed, but the pub wasn’t on there.
“We’re none the wiser whether the pub will be demolished. It’s my livelihood and it’s where I live, it’s everything rolled into one.
“A spokesperson for Berkeley said: “Following the partnership’s last round of community engagement, we are currently reviewing the valuable feedback we received from residents.
“We are working through all input and greatly appreciate the time, insight and openness residents brought to our events and discussions.
“Regeneration projects of this scale take time, and we understand that this can feel unsettling for businesses and residents alike.
“We will be continuing our consultation and will share plans for future events.
“We remain committed to the principles of the Resident and Community Charter and minimising disruption and demolition within the regeneration area.”
