Building Brum

Building Brum host Conor Nolan sits down with Joanna Lee-Mills, Partner at Ward Hadaway, examining one of Birmingham’s most urgent challenges: affordable and social housing. 

Joanna brings nearly 25 years of experience in housing, planning, and development to help unpack what “affordable housing” really means for families across the city, how Section 106 agreements shape delivery on the ground, and why—despite major funding announcements—social housing supply still lags behind demand.

We examine Birmingham’s wider growth story against the backdrop of rising costs and council pressures, examining where viability, planning delays, and policy gaps hold projects back. Examining big questions around access to home ownership, the future of shared ownership, and what meaningful reform could look like. 

A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Birmingham City Council’s newly appointed Director of Planning and Development, to discuss his vision for the city’s future. Having played a key role in shaping Birmingham’s planning and regeneration story over the past 35 years, Simon reflects on how the city has evolved through the Big City Plan and Our Future City Plan 2045.

Looking ahead, we explore the next wave of regeneration — from Smithfield and Ladywood to Druids Heath — Simon shares how the Council aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and drive investment. Now, in his new role as Director of Planning and Development at the largest local authority in the UK, Simon is in the position to turn that vision into reality and help deliver Birmingham’s next chapter of growth.

A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles , EH Smith Architectural solutions Brick and façade specalisats and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this episode of Building Brum, we explore one of Wolverhampton’s most remarkable regeneration stories, the transformation of the long-vacant Royal Hospital site into becoming the heart of a thriving new neighbourhood, the Royal Quarter.

Once closed in 1997 and left derelict for nearly two decades, the former hospital and its surrounding land, along with adjacent sites  (former bus depot and SJ Dixon and Son decorating shop)  have been reborn through an almost decade-long partnership between Homes England, whg, YMCA Black Country, Morro and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Conor is joined by representatives from each organisation to unpack how this complex, heritage-led regeneration came together — from the early land assembly and brownfield remediation, to delivering 450 mixed-tenure all affordable homes including supported accommodation, and community facilities.

Special guests:

Rebecca Bennett Casserly - Corporate Director of Development - WHG

Rob Lamond - Head of Strategy & Analysis - WMCA

Deborah Casey - Head of Growth - Midlands Homes England

Matthew Moore - CEO - Morro Partnerships

Sally Cowan - Chief Officer Places - YMCA, Black Country

Together, they discuss the challenges of aligning diverse goals across multiple phases, the importance of design and heritage in placemaking, and how social value and sustainability have been embedded at every stage.

Tune in to discover how collaboration, creativity, and long-term vision turned a local landmark and its surroundings into a living community — and what lessons it offers for future regeneration across the region.

Thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In today’s episode, we sit down with András Kárpáti, CEO of Cordia UK, to explore the company’s journey from its roots as BlackSwan Property to becoming a key player in Birmingham’s regeneration story. András shares how both he and Cordia — as part of the internationally renowned Futureal Group — chose Birmingham out of all of the other cities in Europe and came to invest in the UK, and why Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter became the focal point for transformative development. We unpack the strategic vision behind Cordia’s move into the UK market, the city’s unique appeal on a global stage, and how András’ first impressions of Birmingham helped shape the company's long-term ambitions.

We also dive into Cordia UK's flagship developments, Lamp Works and Bradford Works, two landmark projects currently under construction in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. András talks through the design and planning process, the balance between heritage and innovation, and some of the surprises encountered along the way. He shares insights into Cordia’s sustainability commitments, the company’s growing pipeline, and what excites him most about the future of Birmingham’s built environment. Whether you're an investor, a designer, or just passionate about the city's ongoing transformation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into one of Birmingham’s most forward-thinking development stories.

Thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by key members of the team behind Three Chamberlain Square — Alex Housden from MEPC, Owen Doherty from Weedon Architects, Michael Gosling from Cundall, Chris Hucknall from Sir Robert McAlpine, and Laurence Vickers from AtkinsRéalis.

Together, they reflect on the collaborative journey that brought this landmark commercial development to life. From navigating logistical challenges and maintaining momentum during critical stages of construction, to celebrating key milestones such as topping out, the discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the delivery of a major city centre scheme.

The episode also explores the importance of coordination across disciplines, the lessons learned during the build, and the legacy this project leaves for Birmingham. It’s a thoughtful insight into the complexities, achievements, and teamwork that define large-scale development in the built environment.

The Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Building Brum, we sit down with the team at MUSE Midlands to discuss the progress, challenges, and future of gender inclusivity in the built environment.

Joining us on the podcast are Lisa Turley, Jonathan Ashcroft, Elliot Sellars, Cate Howe, Marcus Harrington, Laura Lucock and Sara Luhar. Together, we explore what an inclusive workplace looks like, the impact of having a female Managing Director at the helm, and whether the industry is doing enough to support women.

We also dive into personal experiences of challenging gender stereotypes, the figures who inspire our guests, and the barriers that still need breaking down. What advice do they have for the next generation of women entering property and construction? And what challenges lie ahead for the industry as it continues to evolve?

The Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by key figures behind Walsall’s Renaissance — and exploring how major regeneration and investment across the Black Country is creating positive change.

Special Guests:

• Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, has been instrumental in shaping the borough’s £1.5 billion regeneration programme.
• Neil Smith, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, leads on housing regeneration in Willenhall.
• Simon Raiye, Head of Midlands Region for HBD, a national multi-sector development company delivering transformative urban regeneration projects.

Together, they are playing vital roles in reshaping Walsall’s future. We’ll dive into the council’s ambitious borough-wide investment strategy, including key infrastructure, housing, and economic development initiatives aimed at creating jobs, new homes, and enhanced public spaces.

Neil will provide insights into Keepmoat’s plans for Willenhall, where a major regeneration scheme is set to deliver much-needed housing, improved transport links, and new community facilities—bringing fresh opportunities to residents and businesses alike.

Meanwhile, Simon will introduce us to SPARK—a landmark brownfield regeneration project led by HBD in collaboration with Homes England, WMCA, and Walsall Council. This ambitious scheme aims to breathe new life into former industrial land across 44 acres. SPARK is a 21st century logistics and manufacturing hub offering global and local occupiers 620,000 sq ft of high-specification floor space from 20,000 – 315,000 sq ft located right by junctions 9 and 10 of the M6 and sits in the heart of the Midlands

Join us as we explore how these ambitious projects are shaping a new era for Walsall—unlocking growth, investment, and opportunity across the region.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this special episode of Building Brum hosted by Northspring, we’re joined by seven guests from across the construction industry who are taking on an incredible challenge this March—trekking and dog-sledding 180km across the Arctic Circle to raise money for charity.

Amidst their intense training schedules, Scott Lydon, Rachael Fahey, Simon Jesson, Paul Davis, Emma Sculthorp, Anthony Watson, and Andrew Foster share their motivations for embarking on this seven-day journey through the frozen Arctic wilderness. More than just an adventure, this challenge pushes them beyond the comforts of modern living with no electricity, no running water and temperatures as low as -20 — all in support of a great cause.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Find out more from the Artic team and make a donatation here:

 
 Scott Lydon: https://lnkd.in/es76pwtf
Rachael Fahey APMP: https://lnkd.in/emhnyrAT
Simon Jesson: https://lnkd.in/ecdW8X7K
Paul Davis: https://lnkd.in/ejeswTxr
Emma Sculthorp: https://lnkd.in/edTfmvmE
Anthony Watson: https://lnkd.in/e_GFMeeT
Andrew Foster: https://lnkd.in/e_GFMeeT

Joining us on the Building Brum podcast today is one of Birmingham’s rising stars, Moe Ali, Associate Director and asset management lead for Bruntwood SciTech Birmingham portfolio. We had the pleasure of speaking with Moe about Bruntwood SciTech’s ambitious vision for growth and its commitment to investing in Birmingham. Exploring their plans for 2025 and beyond, we discuss the steps being taken to create citywide innovation ecosystems. From Cornerblock to Enterprise Wharf, we delve into Bruntwood SciTech’s journey to drive investment and foster growth in the UK’s second city.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Today we’re in Wolverhampton, joined by James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes; Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills and Rebecca Bennett-Casserly, Corporate Director of Development at Walsall Housing Group (whg). Together, we explore how Wolverhampton is driving economic growth through ambitious housing developments and regeneration projects.

The City of Wolverhampton is leading the way with multi-million-pound investments in social housing and partnerships with major developers to deliver thousands of new homes. Tune in to discover what’s fueling investment, boosting confidence, and transforming the city’s construction landscape.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Rebecca Bennett Casserly - Corporate Director of Development - Walsall Housing Group

Armed with a housing and development degree, Rebecca began her career honing her technical specialism in development management within the housing association sector with Bromford Group. She went onto work for large private sector construction and engineering organisations, including Arcadis and Balfour Beatty, and later founded her own small consultancy providing coaching and residential services.

Rebecca sets our development strategy and leads her commercial and technical teams in its delivery. Her portfolio includes regeneration, new business and partnerships, construction, programme management (new supply) and sales & marketing.

She is passionate about creating resilient and sustainable communities, about partnership working and the power of collaboration.

Cllr Chris Burden - Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills - City of Wolverhampton Council

Cllr Chris Burden was recently awarded the LGIU Young Councillor of the Year Award, and is the youngest person to ever hold a Cabinet Position at Wolverhampton. He is also a PhD Candidate at Aston University, where he is completing research on political communications and social media use in Britain, France, and Germany.

Chris’ interests lie in sustainable development, densification of city and town centres, and the creation of new urban communities. 

James Dickens - Managing Director - Wavensmere Homes

42-year-old James Dickens grew up in Birmingham and was educated at Bromsgrove School, then obtained his BA in Economics from the University of Leeds.

He commenced his career in construction, property portfolio management, and the development of individual houses for private clients across the Midlands. James is now nationally respected by his peers and the industry press, and regarded as one of the UK’s most prominent leaders of an SME housebuilding firm.

James established Wavensmere Homes in 2015, setting out to uncover sites with soul to reanimate, by taking inspiration from the unique historic character. The multi-award winning housebuilder handed over the keys to 522 homes during 2023, and recently hit the major milestone of 1,500 completed homes since its inception. The business and its associated SPVs are on track to achieve a £115m turnover during 2024.