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Walsall Borough Housing Strategy 2026 Inclusive growth

The Inclusive Growth big move is about shaping Walsall’s future through a place-based approach that puts every neighbourhood and community at the heart of regeneration. By developing clear place-based visions and bespoke masterplans from the town centre to our local neighbourhoods and areas we will ensure that new investment delivers not just more homes, but better places to live, work, be healthy and thrive. 

This theme is rooted in fairness and inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of regeneration, housing delivery, and place-making are shared by all—regardless of background or circumstance. By linking housing investment to economic opportunity and social value, Inclusive Growth creates healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods where everyone can access high-quality homes, secure good jobs, and enjoy a strong sense of belonging. 

Inclusive Growth will prioritise the creation of healthy, connected communities, where placemaking, green infrastructure, and local facilities actively promote wellbeing and social connection. 

Through targeted skills programmes, local employment initiatives, and genuine community co-design, we will seek to reduce inequalities, empower local people, and foster pride of place. 

Objectives 

I. By March 2030, support at least 500 local residents (with a focus on young people, ethnic minorities, and care leavers) into construction, retrofit, or green jobs through targeted training, apprenticeships, and direct links to housing investment and MMC programmes, reducing the local skills gap and supporting inclusive economic growth. 

J. By March 2030, enhance a significant portion of council-owned and RP-managed green and public spaces in priority areas, guided by improvements such as better amenities (lighting, seating, accessible pathways), and travel routes, while aiming to increase positive resident perceptions of safety and walkability 

K. By March 2030, ensure that at least 20% of all new housing schemes (of 20 or more units) delivered or commissioned by the council or its partners are co-produced with residents, care leavers, and service users. Co-production will be evidenced through documented engagement workshops and design reviews involving a minimum of 10% of future occupants or relevant service user representatives; Inclusion of lived experience feedback in scheme design and allocation policies. 

L. By March 2030, co-produce and implement tailored housing and engagement plans for Walsall’s town centre and priority regeneration areas, with each plan updated at least every five years and at least 20% of local residents and stakeholders reporting their priorities are reflected in engagement surveys.

What change will this deliver 

Inclusive Growth will: 

  • Move from “one size fits all” to tailored, impactful transformation - By developing bespoke place visions, and a coordinated investment pipeline, Walsall will direct resources where they make the biggest difference — delivering visible improvements in communities and responding to each area’s unique needs. 
  • Build community pride, safety, and local economic vibrancy – The focus on neighbourhoods and town centres — especially those with the greatest need or opportunity — will create safer, healthier, and more attractive places to live, work, and visit, while fostering pride and stimulating local economies. 
  • Harness joined up working for sustained delivery - Through strong collaboration across the council, partners, and communities, Inclusive Growth will ensure that regeneration delivers lasting change, not just short-term fixes. Residents, businesses, and local organisations will be empowered to shape the future of their neighbourhoods through local decision making, building a stronger sense of belonging. 
  • Share the benefits of growth fairly – New homes, jobs, and public realm upgrades will reach all parts of Walsall, reducing inequalities and supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
  • Expand local opportunity and social mobility – Housing investment will be linked with targeted skills programmes, apprenticeships, and employment initiatives, so that local people benefit from new economic opportunities created by regeneration and construction. 
  • Deliver a diverse and inclusive housing offer – A wide range of housing types including supported, accessible, specialist and aspirational homes will be provided to meet the needs of all ages and backgrounds, helping people stay independent and thrive in their communities. 
  • Foster healthier, more resilient communities – By integrating health, education, transport, and employment in a place-based approach, residents will be able to access the support and amenities they need close to home, promoting prevention and long-term wellbeing. 
  • Create neighbourhoods and a town centre people want to live in, work in, and invest in – Ultimately, Inclusive Growth will support wider regeneration, sustainable investment, and improved social wellbeing across Walsall, ensuring that every resident can share in the borough’s future success.