Shrewsbury homes plan set to bring £27 million bonanza

The scheme is set for completion in early 2018 and will create almost 200 jobs, including 11 apprentice opportunities – generating more than £27 million into the wider economy.

Social housing provider The Wrekin Housing Trust has begun work on the homes in Bicton, Shrewsbury.

The apartments have been specially designed with the increasingly ageing population in mind, meaning residents can live independently while benefiting from a support team on site 24 hours a day. The on-site team will also deliver flexible care and support services.

The ShireLiving scheme is being built by Cruden Group for the Wrekin Housing Trust and will also provide additional facilities, including a residents' lounge, hobbies room, pamper bathroom and a restaurant which will be open to the general public.

Once completed, its one and two bedroom apartments will be let for an affordable rent. Karen Lloyd, development manager, said: "There is a real need for quality housing designed for older people and we're pleased to be following the success of our open ShireLiving schemes in Staffordshire by developing across Shropshire."

Another ShireLiving scheme is being built at Ellesmere Road in Shrewsbury and is progressing well, according to the Wrekin Housing Trust, who say the site is on target for completion in February 2017.

Together with Choices Housing Association, the trust is planning five ShireLiving schemes overall across Shropshire and Staffordshire in the next four years.

Oakwood in Wellington is set to open its doors next spring and work is already under way for new homes in Newcastle under Lyme.

With planning permission now in place for a new scheme in Oswestry, ShireLiving will soon be providing more than 600 purpose-built apartments to meet the needs of the growing older population.