Deeley Construction has started work on a new supported living development at the former Stirchley Leisure Centre site in Telford.

Social housing provider Preferred Homes Ltd has been given the green light to begin creating a 72 bed extra care facility costing a total of £17 million.

The state-of-the-art development at the 1.1 acre site, on Grange Avenue, will enable residents to live independently with on-site care support.

The new facility will provide more supported and specialist housing which Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to delivering through its Specialist and Supported Accommodation Strategy (2020-2025) which contributes to its overall Housing Strategy.

Through the strategy, the council underlines its support for the most vulnerable adults and children in the borough by giving them access to suitable housing.

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Construction of the latest extra care facility at Stirchley feeds into the council’s plan to see the development of a range of new build specialist and supported accommodation over the next 10 years, reflecting the needs and demand in local communities, particularly in the south of Telford.

Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for homes & enforcement, said: "We are delighted that Preferred Homes have now started work at the former Stirchley Leisure Centre.

"We’'e excited to see this new supported living facility start taking shape and transforming this site.

"The project aligns with our Specialist and Supported Accommodation Strategy and highlights our commitment to provide more specialist housing for our residents across the borough."

Homes England is also helping to fund the new development through the Affordable Homes Programme which aims to deliver 90,000 grant funded affordable homes up to 2026.

Preferred Homes delivers, owns and manages a portfolio of sustainable, affordable extra care apartments with available on site care.

The site has significant strategic advantages and boasts close proximity to local facilities including the Stirchley Centre, local school, leisure facilities at the Telford Park School, shops and a medical practice.

The leisure centre is now based within the Lakeside Academy in the heart of Stirchley village which was built through the Building Schools for Future (BSF) programme.

The Academy and leisure centre was part of a £75 million BSF scheme launched in Telford and Wrekin in 2013 that replaced old primary schools, as well as creating six new secondary schools and academies.