Trust’s Woodside Centre in Top 50 Developments list

Woodside Centre, in Telford, which was completed last year, not only made the top 50 list but has also been chosen in the Top 5 small developments, as a great example of affordable housing. The development consists of 13 two bedroom apartments, one which has been fully adapted for a disabled resident, eight two bedroom houses, and three retail units as well as landscaping.

The development has been built as part of the regeneration of the Woodside area, and the Trust has worked closely with local contractors and the local authority to provide homes that meet the need in the area, as well as bringing improvements and high-quality housing. Apprentices were also employed by contractor Jessup as part of the contract with the Trust.

The site is adjacent to a community centre, The Park Lane Centre, as well as the Trust’s own flagship extra care development, Parkwood. The community centre was used to hold consultations with local residents to ensure they were happy with the new development.

All of the properties have been built to high sustainability standards and residents were even given tips on saving energy and reducing their energy bills, as well as being offered consultations with Energy Extra. The homes have solar panels, rear gardens and some apartments benefit from roof gardens.

Jean Teichmann, Head of Development, said: “We’re really proud of this development of local housing and commercial units. It’s part of a huge development programme which is bringing affordable housing options to people all across Shropshire and Staffordshire. I’m thrilled it’s been chosen not only as one of the Top 50 affordable housing developments, but also to be singled out as one of the five best small developments in the whole of the country by the judges.”

One resident living in the Woodside Centre development is Mr Hawkins, who said: “I’m very happy with my new apartment. It’s very quiet and the communal areas are always clean. I feel comfortable and at ease.”