Shabana Mahmood MP Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood
Shabana Mahmood, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood, has written to residents impacted by the proposed regeneration of the central Ladywood estate.
The proposals will impact nearly 2,000 residents in the regeneration area.
In her letter, hitting doormats in August, the MP issues her ‘red lines’ on regeneration, that the council must address in order to secure her support.
They include a full and transparent consultation process, a guarantee that existing residents who want to stay in Ladywood will stay in Ladywood, and a promise that community facilities are at the heart of the project.
Shabana will also be surveying all residents within the zone to listen to their views on the proposals.
Commenting on the regeneration plans, Shabana Mahmood MP said:
“Any regeneration of Ladywood should not leave the existing community worse off.
“I told the council leader the plans should not be a backdoor for mass gentrification of our neighbourhood, where people have put down roots and made their homes.”
“Birmingham City Council only have one chance to get this right and secure the future of Ladywood for generations to come.
“I won’t support any regeneration if the council step over my red lines.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Letter to residents
Dear Resident
In 2019 I wrote to the former leader of Birmingham City Council to raise my concerns about regeneration plans in Ladywood. It’s unacceptable that four years later, we’re only now hearing that a development partner has been secured. I heard the news at the same time as you.
There are some positives in the plans: two new public parks, improved public transport links, and additional community facilities should be welcomed.
Any regeneration should not leave the existing community worse off. I made that clear in a letter sent to the Birmingham City Council leader last month. I told the council leader the plans should not be a backdoor for mass gentrification of our neighbourhood, where people have put down roots and made their homes.
I want you to know that I’m on your side. Here are my red lines on regeneration:
- A full and transparent consultation process with residents throughout the project – appointing a specialist to support the community.
- Residents who want to stay in Ladywood are guaranteed to stay in Ladywood, and they are rehoused in one move to prevent disruption.
- A promise that new, quality community facilities are at the heart of the project and not an afterthought.
The council only have one chance to get this right and secure the future of Ladywood for generations to come. I won’t support any regeneration if the council step over my red lines.
There will be many questions residents have about the project that are yet to be answered. I’m keen to listen to those who live in the regeneration zone to make sure I’m giving you the best possible representation on this issue.
Please complete the enclosed survey and return it in the post. This is free of charge. Every response will help me continue my work standing up for local people. You can also fill the survey in online at: www.shabanamahmood.org/ladywoodsurvey
Yours sincerely
Shabana Mahmood MP
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood
Shabana’s letter to Birmingham leader, July 2023