Work begins on construction of new over-55s development in Shrewsbury
Housing Plus Group has started construction work at its first development as a newly merged organisation.
The £18.6 million William Farr House project, located at Mytton Oak Road in Shrewsbury, will deliver 68 modern apartments and 10 bungalows exclusively for the over-55s, all available for affordable rent.
The landmark development follows the successful merger of the Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group in January 2025, creating one of the largest housing associations in the West Midlands. The project marks an exciting milestone in the Group’s mission to increase its capacity to build more affordable homes across communities in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Telford and Wrekin.
In partnership with Keon Homes, the development will include not only high-quality homes but also thoughtfully designed community facilities, such as a café and shared spaces, to promote well-being and connection among residents. The scheme has been supported by £6.08 million of funding from Homes England.
Wayne Gethings, Group Chief Executive of Housing Plus Group, said:
“This development is a fantastic example of what we can achieve together. By working with our partners and investing in affordable, high-quality homes, we are meeting the needs of our growing population and supporting independence for people over 55. The inclusion of community spaces and a café reflects our commitment to building more than homes – we are creating places where people can thrive.
“We are grateful for the support of Homes England in bringing this project to life, and I’m excited to see how this development will benefit Shrewsbury and the surrounding areas.”
Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, added his support:
“William Farr House is the third extra care scheme we have started work on in the last eighteen months and the second time we have joined forces with Housing Plus Group to deliver much-needed communities for the over 55s in Shropshire.
“This development follows the hugely successful completion of Queenswood in Newport where we finished the job eight months ahead of schedule – pretty much unheard of in this space. We are going to use some of the same construction techniques and supply chain management to make this latest scheme in Shrewsbury as bigger a success.”
Set to be completed in 2026, William Farr House underscores Housing Plus Group’s ongoing dedication to addressing housing demand across the region while creating vibrant, sustainable communities.
