First 30 homes handed over on iconic £36m Port Loop scheme in Birmingham

The first 30 homes on a high-profile £36m urban development scheme in Birmingham have been handed over – ahead of schedule.

Keon Homes, working in partnership with sister company Cameron Homes, has completed the two and three-bedroom homes on Icknield Port Loop development for housing association partner Midland Heart, with many residents already settling in.

Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the thoughtful design of the homes, the sense of community taking shape, and the smooth move‑in experience.

It marks an important milestone for Phase 3 of the scheme, which will eventually see the construction of 124 properties, a mix of different size homes and a small apartment block that straddles the canal corner.

All homes are being designed to be sympathetic to the heritage of the site and will be spacious and zero carbon ready, incorporating electric heating, hot water heat pumps and generating localised electricity through solar panels.

They will utilise sustainable timber frame construction methods and the first 30 properties all feature sawtooth roofs – a hat tip to an industrial past.

Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, commented: “Port Loop was a real statement urban regeneration scheme for the local authority, yet hasn’t been without its challenges with two developers entering administration before they could start Phase 3.

“We came in and promised to build the 124 properties on time and to the highest standards and this first handover, ahead of schedule, reaffirms that commitment.”

He continued: “More importantly, we have delivered thirty much-needed affordable homes to individuals and families, giving them the opportunity to start new lives and form the beginning of new communities. That’s what this scheme is all about.”

Icknield Port Loop is the latest in a long line of successes for Keon Homes, who secured a record £60m year in 2025.

The company has evolved into one of the Midlands’ fastest growing affordable developers and a business that thrives on delivering complex projects that predominantly bring brownfield sites back to life.

There is a big focus on ensuring projects leave a legacy to the region, both in the fabric of the design, the creation of new communities and the economic boost to a supply chain that is 90% based within a 25-mile radius of the scheme.

“Our mantra is ‘to do the right thing’ and this was put in place by the founding directors in 2017,” added Matt.

“We can only consistently deliver schemes ahead of schedule if you have the right supply chain in place, with transparent communications, trust and collaboration at the heart of the relationship.

“Port Loop is the perfect example of this in action. We’re utilising building experts and sub-contractors that are predominantly based within the West Midlands and have worked with us on numerous schemes before. In fact, last year we invested £48m with our suppliers.”

He continued: “Developing the next generation of construction professionals is also important to us. This isn’t marketing rhetoric, this is reflected in the fact we are employing 15 apprentices directly or indirectly on this landmark scheme.”

Port Loop is the fifth scheme Keon Homes has developed in partnership with Midland Heart, following completion of Booth’s Lane and ongoing works at Holyhead Road, Bulkington and Phase 3D of Port Loop.

Midland Heart’s ambitious development programme has delivered 4,000 new affordable homes over the past five years, with a further 2,250 set to be built and handed over by 2030.

Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive at Midland Heart, said: “Port Loop is an important regeneration project for Birmingham, and we’re delighted to see the first homes completed and handed over to tenants.

“These properties reflect our commitment to delivering sustainable, well‑designed places where people can thrive. As the wider scheme progresses, we look forward to welcoming many more families into this growing neighbourhood of high‑quality, affordable homes.”

For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company on its social media channels.