New Extra Care Housing Development Opens in Telford

A new extra care housing development, known as **Stirchley House**, has officially opened on the site of the former **Stirchley Leisure Centre** in **Telford**. Construction commenced in May 2023, transforming a vacant plot that had remained unused since the leisure centre’s demolition in 2020. This facility will cater specifically to individuals aged over 55 who require additional care, aiming to support residents in living independently while alleviating pressure on local health services.

The development features **66 one-bedroom** and **six two-bedroom** apartments, complemented by community spaces, landscaped gardens, and a bistro accessible to the public. The official opening ceremony took place on **September 12, 2023**, and was attended by **Shaun Davies**, Member of Parliament for Telford.

Davies expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m delighted to see Stirchley House completed. In Telford, housing has always been about more than just numbers. These **72 extra-care apartments** for older people are not just homes—they’re part of a community, with on-site care, gardens, and shared spaces. It reflects the original vision of Telford as a New Town: building communities, not just houses.”

The opening event also included performances from the **Church of Pentecost Glory Temple** choir and was attended by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Telford and representatives from the **West Midlands Combined Authority**, **Telford & Wrekin Council**, **Homes England**, **Pinnacle Group**, and **Radis Community Care**.

Stirchley House marks **Preferred Homes’** first development in the Midlands. The organization plans to expand its operations, targeting **50 schemes** across England within the next few years. **Stephen Sorrell**, social partnership director at Preferred Homes Ltd, commented on the significance of the project, saying, “Opening Stirchley House, our first Midlands development, is an exciting step in Preferred Homes’ goal to create places that meet the needs of local communities. It’s been excellent to hear from Stirchley House residents today about how they are enjoying their new homes, and we look forward to being a part of this community for the long term.”

This site is notable for being the first extra care housing development to benefit from the **West Midlands Combined Authority’s** brownfield regeneration fund. **Richard Parker**, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasized the importance of such projects, stating, “Far too many people are waiting too long for a safe, secure place to call home, which is why building more affordable homes is a top priority for me. This project will help more residents live independently, with dignity, and in homes that meet their needs for longer.”

The opening of Stirchley House not only revitalizes a previously derelict site but also aims to make a lasting impact on the community, addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the region. Through strong partnerships among local authorities and developers, the project represents a significant step forward in tackling the affordable housing crisis facing the West Midlands.