Lion House opens to provide specialist supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities

Telford & Wrekin Council has officially opened Lion House, a purpose-built supported accommodation scheme in Wellington, providing 11 one-bedroom apartments for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people with care and support needs.

The development, built on the site of the former Red Lion pub, transforms a long-stalled site into a modern, sustainable facility that will enable residents to live independently with round-the-clock on-site support from Creative Support.

Lion House represents the Council's ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality care for residents with specialist and complex needs, supporting people to live well for longer in their own homes, even as the cost of providing social care continues to rise.

The scheme features 11 self-contained apartments, a large communal area where residents can socialise, and dedicated staff office and facilities. Each apartment has been designed to promote independent living through assistive technology, whilst ensuring that professional support is always available when needed.

Cllr Lee Carter, Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, said: "Lion House is a fantastic example of how we are investing in our residents' futures.

“Despite the financial pressures facing local authorities nationwide, we remain committed to providing excellent care and support for those with care and support needs.

“This development will give residents the opportunity to live independently in high-quality accommodation with the reassurance of 24/7 support. It's about enabling people to live well for longer in their own homes, with dignity and independence.

“It’s also worth noting the efforts of the developer who have worked with local residents closely to ensure the development is sympathetic to their requirements too.”

Cllr Angela McClements, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & The Arts, added: "We are delighted to see this formerly stalled site brought back into productive use, creating much-needed specialist accommodation for our community.

“Lion House demonstrates our determination to make best use of brownfield sites whilst delivering homes that will make a real difference to people's lives.

“The care and attention that has gone into this development shows our commitment to looking after our most vulnerable residents."

The development has been funded through a combination of Telford and Wrekin Council's Housing Investment Fund, the Council's Stalled Sites and Empty Property Grant, and external investment from Homes England through the Affordable Homes Programme.

A spokesperson from 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 Telford & Wrekin Council to achieve its ambitions.

“The opening of Lion House is a fantastic achievement and a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners, to achieve our mission to build much needed new homes that people can be proud of.”

Jackie Unsworth, Senior Operations Manager at Creative Support, said: “Creative Support is pleased to assume responsibility for providing services at Lion House. We look forward to facilitating a smooth transition for all incoming tenants and getting acquainted with every new resident.”

The building has been constructed using innovative modern methods of construction, resulting in significant environmental benefits. A lightweight steel frame sits on steel screw pile foundations, eliminating the need for extensive excavation and large quantities of concrete, leading to substantial reductions in carbon emissions and water usage.

The main walls comprise highly insulated panels, while the frontage has been rebuilt in traditional brick to carefully replicate the original building's character. The installation of heat pumps and a state-of-the-art infrared heating system has created a highly efficient and sustainable building that will keep running costs low for residents.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the modern construction methods have significantly reduced build time and minimised disturbance to the surrounding community compared to traditional building techniques.

Lion House will be owned and operated by Telford & Wrekin Council, with support services provided by Creative Support, ensuring residents receive consistent, high-quality care tailored to their individual needs.