Homes on the way with help from Marches LEP

December 11, 2023

Work to bring 67 much-needed affordable homes to Wellington is under way.

The Wrekin Housing Group is working in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council, Homes England and The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as part of a £16.7million regeneration project at Glebe Street and High Street.

The development breathes new life into the site and will offer a mix of one, two and three-bedroomed properties, including bungalows and apartments, all for affordable rent.

Lovell Partnerships is delivering the project made possible through around £4.7million of funding from Homes England through the Affordable Homes programme, a further £1.5million from the Marches LEP through the Stronger Communities grant funding programme to assist stalled sites and the remaining £9.8million is from Wrekin Housing Group

Each home will benefit from enhanced levels of insulation designed to cut emissions and help lower residents’ heating bills.

As part of the project, which will be completed by Spring 2025, 20 jobs will be created and safeguarded and the project will help meet the growing demand for good quality, affordable housing.

Wayne Gethings, Group Chief Executive at the Wrekin Housing Group said: “We’re delighted to see work start on this exciting development, which will bring more affordable homes to Telford.

“As a Group, we’re committed to working with our partners to respond to local need and this fully-affordable scheme is a fantastic example of that.

“We’re pleased to be working once again with Telford and Wrekin Council, with whom we enjoy a great relationship and we now look forward to seeing these houses brought to fruition, providing a place to call home for families and young people in Wellington and the wider area.”

Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Place (the Economy & Neighbourhood Services), said: “The land at Glebe Street and High Street is a key gateway into Wellington and we are pleased that we’ve been able to support the Wrekin Housing Group so the redevelopment of this site can take place.

“This project will provide much needed new housing in Wellington and also be an attractive place to live for our residents.”

Lewis Young, Senior Manager – Provider Management (SME) for Homes England said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious partners of all sizes to build those homes and communities.

“This investment through the Affordable Homes Programme does just that, enabling Wrekin Housing Group to build 67 much needed new homes the people of Wellington can be proud of.”

Stuart Penn, Regional Managing Director at Lovell Partnerships, said: “Accelerating affordable housing is a key part of what we do and is crucial to solve the current housing crisis both regionally and across the UK.

It’s a fantastic milestone to commence work on this development at Glebe Street and once again utilise our strong partnerships with local authorities and housing associations to ensure quality homes are built where people want to live and provide jobs in the process.”

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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