Ladywood Residents Retrofit Homes to Combat Climate Change

As of November 17th, 2025, a community group in Ladywood, Birmingham, called Civic Square, has purchased a Victorian terrace house and transformed it into Retrofit House, a hub for sustainable home upgrades. The house serves as a showroom and workshop, where residents can learn DIY skills, attend talks on topics like doughnut economics and "freehouse governance," and explore retrofit solutions using eco-friendly materials like lime, clay, and straw.

The initiative aims to empower local residents and make their homes more comfortable, energy-efficient, and resilient to climate change. Civic Square has collaborated with researchers and designers to showcase a range of adaptations, from improving air quality and protecting against flooding to encouraging wildlife. The goal is to provide the community with the knowledge and skills to either undertake the work themselves or find properly trained local builders.

Despite some initial skepticism from residents who have been let down by previous government-run home improvement schemes, the Retrofit House project has gained traction. Civic Square is working to create a national network called Retrofit Reimagined, which brings together neighborhood groups to share knowledge and resources. The organization is also seeking funding from philanthropic organizations to continue its work, recognizing that they cannot achieve their goals without outside support.