Labour MP for Selly Oak, Al Carns, has urged housing association GreenSquareAccord to 'honour the commitment' it made to transfer a block of flats and shops in Stirchley to the local community. The call comes as businesses and residents face an uncertain future.
MP backs cooperative group
Earlier this week, Carns resigned from his role as Armed Forces Minister over a military funding dispute. On Thursday, he voiced support for the Stirchley Cooperative Development, which is locked in a dispute with GreenSquareAccord. The cooperative includes a local bike shop, a bakery, and a community gallery.
The Stirchley Cooperative Development building on Pershore Road was originally conceived by a group of locals, including beloved bakery Loaf, arts destination Artefact, and the Birmingham Bike Foundry. When the construction firm went bust, GreenSquareAccord stepped in to complete the building, promising to hand over the keys once finished.
This 'turnkey agreement' would have allowed businesses and residents of the 39 flats to manage the building collectively, without landlords. However, as completion neared, GSA announced it would retain ownership, citing higher-than-expected costs. After community backlash, the association agreed to sell the property, with Birmingham City Council offering financial and operational support. But then GSA raised the price, pricing out the cooperative.
Among those affected are independent bakery Loaf, which spoke to BirminghamLive about its worries, and 80-year-old John Holmes, who said he is homeless while waiting for the building to be finished.
Carns demands action
MP Al Carns said: 'Three months ago, GreenSquareAccord walked away from a commitment to co-operative members in Stirchley. That decision is blocking social housing and putting community businesses at risk. I wrote to the CEO of GreenSquareAccord and told them plainly: honour the commitment. I am waiting for a reply.'
Carns added: 'SCD has my full backing. I will keep pushing until this development is owned and managed by SCD, as residents intended.'
Housing association responds
A GreenSquareAccord spokesperson said: 'Projected costs rose due to inflation, interest costs, and construction challenges, including the original contractor going into administration. The purchase price increased due to ongoing construction costs. As a not-for-profit social housing provider, it would be irresponsible to absorb the shortfall, which would compromise investment in homes and services. We are only seeking to cover costs, not generate profit.'
The association said it is committed to reaching the right outcome for Stirchley residents and working with Birmingham City Council, which manages the housing waiting list. There are nearly 24,000 people on the list. GSA said it is in regular communication with the cooperative businesses about letting the retail units.
