50 people from Birmingham people have found new jobs at a Shard End development.
Client Barratt West Midlands has announced that 50 local people have found jobs in the last five months at its new development in Shard End.
The Crescent, a £27m project to build nearly 200 homes, is now the place of work for 50 labourers, tradesmen and sub-contractors – as well as two apprentices. Many of the people employed live within five miles of the site.
Since the scheme began last November more than £2.2 million worth of contracts have been given to local suppliers, operating within five miles of the site, including electrical contractors, ground workers, bricklayers and security companies.
As well as new homes the development will provide a new vicarage for All Saints Church, a new library and 14,000 sq ft of retail units including a Co-op, bookmakers, post office, chip shop and a bakery. A number of the retailers operate from the area already and are being relocated in brand new premises as a result of the development.
In total 124 one-, two- and three-bedroom houses will be available for private sale along with 67 affordable homes.
Adrian Farr, Managing Director for Halesowen-based Barratt said that the development is a classic example of how new construction projects can quickly employ significant numbers of people and benefit the local economy.
“From the start the Shard End scheme has been about more than just fulfilling housing needs and is one of a number of projects we are working on in the region that have local people at its heart.
“We have worked for a number of years with our partners here in Shard End to devise a scheme that would benefit the whole community and it is pleasing to see that in developing this site we are also able to aid both physical and social regeneration.”
Details of one of the apprentices and the local labourer are:
Alex Lennon
Carpentry apprentice
Age 16
Lives in Kings Heath
Studying NVQ in carpentry at South Birmingham College
Alex said, “Being an apprentice is fantastic; I like being outdoors and am learning a trade which I enjoy. I had to take test to get this position so I feel really lucky to be working here.
“I knew I wanted a real job and to study at the same time and being able to do this with Barratt is ideal. In the future I’d like to get into construction management and hopefully this apprenticeship will put me in good stead to achieving that one day.”
Chris Adams
Site labourer
Age 33
Lives in Shard End
Found position through Job Centre, was previously unemployed for six months
Chris said, “I’ve lived in Shard End for 12 years and over time the estate has become really run down. So it’s great that work has started on trying to turn things around. I’m pleased that I’m actually going to be part of the change.
“It’s even better that this development has provided me with the opportunity for work. After being unemployed for six months I’m obviously pleased to be earning again, especially so close to home.”

Chris Adams (L) and Alex Lennon (R)