£1.13 million scheme for Madeley

The Wrekin Housing Trust officially opened 14 new apartments at Horseshoes Court, Madeley, as part of an ongoing redevelopment programme for the town centre. David Wright MP attended the opening ceremony and helped to cut the ribbon.

The modern apartments are part of an exciting development, which includes local shops, a hairdresser and a brand new Tesco supermarket. Tesco initially engineered a planning application for the redevelopment of Madeley local centre, which included the apartments, shops and new Tesco supermarket. Local residents were delighted with the redevelopment as many had welcomed a larger supermarket in the town. With an elevated position at the top of Madeley high street, the flats are a significant landmark building for the area.

Dave Pritchard from The Wrekin Housing Trust said: “The Trust originally planned to bid for part of the housing on the site but, after working in partnership with Tesco and receiving funding from the HCA, decided to purchase all fourteen apartments. We are thrilled with the end result and we hope the new tenants will be happy in these quality homes in such a convenient location. We wish them all the best for the future."

The 14 apartments all have two bedrooms and have been built to meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. With the Trust putting £574,000 into the development, the HCA provided further grant funding of £560,000 to meet the total £1.134 million cost.

Lucy Blasdale, Team Leader for the Homes and Communities Agency, said: ”We are pleased to support this high quality development that is helping to provide more affordable homes that meet the need of local people, and which are adding to the economic development of the Madeley local centre.”

In addition to cutting the ribbon, the party also welcomed some tenants to their new homes. Eileen and Dennis Ridley were among the first couples to receive the keys to their new apartment.

Dennis said: “We are thrilled to be moving into our new home today. Having the apartments so central to the town centre and shops means that we have access to everything we need. Both the apartments and the new development are a welcomed addition to Madeley and we look forward to living here.”

All fourteen apartments have been let through The Wrekin Housing Trust’s choice based lettings scheme. More information can be found at www.chooseyourhome.org.uk or by calling 01952 217101.