Work to increase the number of almshouses available to beneficiaries at James Memorial Homes is nearly complete, with ten new flats expected to be ready in November 2025. The spacious one-bedroomed flats are designed to be cosy in the winter, cool in the summer, with an all-electric energy-efficient heating system. Five upstairs flats will benefit from balconies, accessible by stairs or via a platform lift. Nine of the ten are large enough to accommodate couples.

The development fills the footprint of the old St Clement’s Church. Built in 1869 but suffering bomb damage during World War II, the church was largely demolished in the 1970s. Thanks to support from the Almshouse Association, Charity Bank, Homes England, the Justham Trust, Wing Yip and other supporters, the James Charities has been able to create ten new dwellings while preserving two Victorian façades.

The new building features a green roof and the works will end with improved gardens, providing a haven for wildlife in the heart of Birmingham. A communal room, library and laundry will be available for the benefit of residents. The building is designed by KKE Architects of Worcester and constructed by Interclass, part of the Constructing West Midlands consortium.

For well over 150 years now, the James Charities has been providing forever homes for older people in housing need. Most of our residents lived in Birmingham for at least a year before moving to the James Memorial Homes; all are over 55 years old.

To be considered for accommodation, please visit our vacancies page and register your interest. We maintain a waiting list with priority given to those in the greatest need.

On Saturday 9 November 2024, directors of the James Charities Trustee Limited came together with residents of James Memorial Homes and family members for a bricklaying ceremony. Former chair of the board and former headteacher at St Clement’s Primary School, Christine Price, laid the ceremonial foundation brick accompanied by current chair, Lynda Matheson, and Nechells councillor Lee Marsham (pictured). Also in attendance were current and former staff members, Cher McLeggan, William Coffin and Dave Fisher, and Kyle Fowler of KKE Architects.

Works are expected to take a year and should result in ten new almshouse flats, plus a communal room, laundry and staff offices. Supported by Homes England, the development takes account of the site’s Victorian heritage and the need for green space in the heart of the city.

The James Charities marked the start of their significant redevelopment project with a ground breaking ceremony taking place earlier this month.

The charity, which has been providing almshouse accommodation for over 55s at its site on Stuart Street in Nechells, inner-city Birmingham, for over 150 years, is transforming its communal building on the historic site of the old St Clement’s Church into ten new almshouses and updated communal facilities. The redevelopment has been part-funded by Homes England and the Justham Trust, with the support of the Almshouse Association and Charity Bank.

These new apartments will provide high-quality, independent living accommodation for individuals in need over the age of 55. In keeping with the historical significance of the site, the two main façades of the original Victorian building will be carefully retained and integrated into the new development. The project also includes environmental aspects that will improve biodiversity in the area.

The £2 million project has been designed by KKE Architects and is being delivered by Midlands-based contractor, Interclass plc. The project is expected to complete towards the end of 2025.

Lynda Matheson, Chair of the James Charities Trustee Ltd, said: “After several years of careful planning, the board is excited to see the physical start of this exciting phase in the charity's work. With the new almshouses, the James Charities will be able to accommodate more people in need, remaining true to the wishes of Elizabeth and Emma James, who set the charity in motion back in 1869.”

Wesley Lovett, Senior Lending Manager at Charity Bank, said: “Charity Bank is proud to support The James Charities with cost-of-living loan and grant funding, as they develop much-needed supported housing for those over the age of 55. Our cost-of-living funding aims to support projects that help organisations and residents manage the cost-of-living while creating a lasting positive impact. This development of new almshouses in Birmingham will support the local community and contribute to a brighter future.”

Des O’Neill, Managing Director at Interclass, said: “We are very proud to be delivering these new apartments, which will offer high-standard, secure accommodation for people in need whilst preserving the historic elements of the old St Clement’s Church. Our goal is to maintain and enhance the sense of community that is so evident here as the project progresses, and we look forward to seeing the new building take shape over the coming months.”

The project was procured through Constructing West Midlands, a publicly owned and managed framework which has a track record in the delivery of public and third-sector projects.

The Charity successfully applied for grant funding from Homes England to part-fund the redevelopment of the ten homes. The Charity joined the Almshouse Consortium to obtain advice on securing the affordable homes grant required to deliver the new homes. The Consortium has been established over ten years as an approved Homes England Partner to support Almshouses across the country.

After 13 years in post as scheme manager, the James Charities said a fond farewell to Carole. We wish her all the best in her new role and thank her for all she has achieved here.

Earlier this month, residents, neighbours and representatives of the local community came together to meet staff, directors and architects and discuss plans to develop part of the site on Stuart Street. Over the next few years, we hope to redevelop the communal building on the site of the old St Clement's Church, providing improved facilities and ten new, accessible, eco-friendly almshouses for local older people in need. The plans include space to store and charge mobility scooters, raised beds, a green roof and a wildflower meadow.

We’re grateful to two organisations for their support in 2021.

Thanks to an award from Localgiving and the Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, we will be able to install raised beds to enable residents to get involved in gardening, including growing our own vegetables.

And thanks to funding from Active Communities, an initiative led by the Active Wellbeing Society, Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, we have been able to step up our plans to get active through sports, exercise, art and crafts, and gardening.

Thank you!

Residents and Directors gathered to say a fond farewell to Chief Officer Dave Fisher, who has left the James Charities after 6-plus years years of sterling service.

A presentation was made to Dave as a thank-you. He goes with our best wishes and hopes for good luck for the future.

Incoming Chief Officer William Coffin, was also present; we welcome him into his new role.

Staff and residents braved a chilly night for a socially distanced switch on of the Christmas lights.

Residents enjoyed Christmas carols, and were beneficiaries of hot and cold snacks provided by local contractor, Pym’s.

Festive lights adorn the front of each block and the large tree next to the communal hall, and will be up until the new year.

After a challenging year, Scheme Manager Carole and the Directors were very keen to finish 2020 on a positive note.

A special thank you to Carole Crockett, celebrating ten years at the James Charities.

Here's to many more!