A PROPERTY expert has predicted that Redditch is heading towards a 'residential revival', with thousands of new homes due to be built.

Veronica Du'Quesnay, head of residential conveyancing at Kerwoods Solicitors, was commenting on the latest Local Plan published by Redditch Borough Council.

This shows that 6,400 new dwellings are needed in the town by 2030, with more than 1,000 of this number already built.

Ms Du'Quesnay said: “Despite everything that’s happening in the wider world, Redditch is still doing well, with money moving around and people still getting about and doing what they need to do.

“Kerwoods is becoming busier and busier handling property sales and purchases in Redditch, which shows that there are more and more homes on the market in and around the town.

“This is certainly required as the number of people and families moving to Redditch is increasing. It’s an up and coming town and needs to constantly evolve and expand to accommodate people from all sort of backgrounds.”

Ms Du'Quesnay pointed out how well Redditch was served by frequent trains and nearby motorway links to Birmingham and other larger urban areas.

She said that new building activity meant that Redditch would continue to have more affordable homes that many other commuter towns, while at the same time still being close to more affluent areas.

She said: “We’re really lucky in Redditch to be more affordable than places like Birmingham city centre and many of its sought-after suburbs, which will only be boosted by the thousands of new homes being built.

“This means we’re attractive to first-time buyers wanting to get a foot on the property ladder at that early stage in their careers and family lives.

“But we’re also close to places like Alvechurch and Barnt Green which have high-end properties, which means we can also attract established business leaders and professionals.

“And that’s what we need – a location for everyone, not a ‘them and us’ situation but a town which can provide for people of all backgrounds, helping to lift the town and raise spirits for all its dwellers.”

Ms Du'Quesnay said that expanding businesses in the Redditch area were making new homes even more attractive, as workers sought to move with increasing employment.

And she said that Redditch Borough Council would need to plan the right level of infrastructure to help support such growth, particularly in education.

She said: “Redditch is near to great rural areas, but more nurseries and schools will need to be considered if Redditch wants its new housing to attract first-time buyers.

“And with established professionals moving to places like Alvechurch and Barnt Green, the area also needs to make sure its schools can cover a wide range of children from all backgrounds.”

Ms Du'Quesnay said that residential developments were popping up all over Redditch, including the development of flats on a site opposite Kerwoods offices on Church Road.

“The new site opposite us is obviously aimed at young professionals who feel that living in a town centre is attractive but still quiet, as it’s down a side street.”

She added: “Currently, I live in Birmingham, but such is the quality of new homes that I would seriously consider moving to Redditch myself.”