In Pictures: Former Telford shop demolished to make way for new rental apartments

Planning permission for a scheme to knock down the former Wrekin Housing Group shop on King Street in Dawley, set to be replaced with four new apartments, was granted in December last year.

The Wrekin Housing Group, which is now known as Housing Plus following a merger last year, plans to build a two-storey block of one-bedroom, two-person apartments, which will be made available for social rent.

Builders have now completely demolished the decaying building and a neighbouring unit, with the new homes scheduled for completion later this year.

Martin James, Development and Regeneration Manager at Housing Plus Group, said the company was "proud" to be bringing the site back into use, after the decaying former shop had stood empty on King Street for several years.

“For decades, this building played an important role in supporting Wrekin customers and providing vital local services," he said.

“Now, the site will have a new life as a place where people can live and thrive. These homes will be built to last, offering secure, energy-efficient, comfortable spaces that people will be proud to call home.”

In its application for the site, submitted last year, Housing Plus Group said the new building will provide essential social housing for Dawley.

in a heritage statement which was supplied with the plans, it said the project would provide "much-needed living accommodation for the social rent market" in the form of one-bed, two-person apartments.

Prior to demolition, the groups former Dawley office sat empty in a prominent location at the top of King Street, having closed down in 2019 due to issues with damp and timber infestation.

"This has always been a central spot in Dawley, and it’s great that we’ll still have a presence here through the regeneration," said Theresa Carson, Dawley Area Manager.

“The office was a real hub for the community, and I know many people have fond memories of it. Seeing it transformed into homes for local people is the perfect next chapter.”

Builders working on the scheme say the homes will be constructed using Structural Insulated Panels, a modern method of construction that combines speed, sustainability, and excellent energy performance.

"Using modern construction methods means we can build high-quality, sustainable homes that people will be proud to live in," said Ben Tomkinson, Managing Director of contractors R1 Construction.

"We’re really pleased to be part of giving this well-known site a new future. Projects like this show how empty buildings can be transformed into something that makes a real difference for local people.

"It’s something we’re proud to be delivering together with Housing Plus Group for the Dawley community."