Redrow set to invest in Telford

Fri, Dec 8th 2006, 11:00

A national house builder is waiting to hear if its plans to create an impressive mixed use development that will totally revitalise the heart of Leegomery’s local centre will get the go ahead.

The award-winning Redrow Homes is aiming to radically overhaul the fire damaged shops and replace them with a fantastic mixed use scheme, including brand new facilities and a residential element that will become a much needed focal point for the community.

The application now being considered by the local authority supersedes an earlier one which was withdrawn after the layout and scale of the site changed and more space for new homes was identified.

A decision is expected in January 2007.

Adrian Farr, managing director for Redrow Homes (West Midlands), says: “We withdrew our initial planning application after it became clear there was scope for a much more comprehensive development.

“We’ve designed the layout having carefully considered the comments received at the initial consultation with the public. After all, it will be their local centre and we want to work with the community to create something that is in everyone’s interest.”

Redrow hopes to create a brand new local centre, with plans to relocate the existing hairdresser, pharmacy and take away on site and provide a new building for the supermarket that was fire damaged, as well as another retail unit that will be let out.

A purpose built Listen and Care centre will also be provided as well as designated car parking for the local centre. It’s envisaged that these proposals will help to form a totally sustainable local centre for Leegomery’s residents.

Adrian continues: “In view of the considerable growth that has taken place in Leegomery and the surrounding area in recent years, we feel there is an opportunity to increase the number of retail outlets in the local centre, to complement the Doctors surgery and Community Centre. If approved, our plans should encourage people to use their local shops, instead of travelling to shopping areas further away.”

As part of the mixed use vision for the redevelopment of Leegomery’s local centre, Redrow has created plans to bring 73 new homes – in a mix of apartments and two and three storey houses – to the area.

The properties would be from the company’s award-winning Signature range, and will provide new homes for people on every rung of the ladder, from first time buyers to couples, to growing families and empty nesters.

 “The new homes will breathe new life into the centre and provide more customers for the shops,” adds Adrian.

As part of Redrow’s proposals, other benefits to the local community include financial investment for the provision of education facilities and public open space, the provision of a separate car park for the Doctor’s surgery and a suitable car park for the shoppers and a safe place for parents dropping off children at Apley Wood primary school.

Redrow Homes (West Midlands) which operates from offices at Halesowen, is also building new homes in Edgbaston, Streetly, Hednesford, Oldbury, Quarry Bank, and has several high profile ventures in Stoke on Trent.

The company was recently voted the ‘Residential Developer of the Year’ at the 2006 West Midlands Business Insider awards, for all-round excellence in creating varied and high quality new homes developments across the West Midlands.