First phase of work starts on new Telford homes for rent
Work has started on the first phase of a £60 million project to build homes for rent in Telford.
Sites at the former Woodlands Primary School in Madeley and off the junction of Stirchley Avenue and Randlay Avenue in Randlay are being cleared for work to begin on building 130 homes.
It is the first part of Telford & Wrekin Council's housing investment programme which will see up to 425 homes and apartments built on seven brownfield sites. The first homes – 101 in Madeley and 31 in Randlay – are expected to be ready to let by winter.
The houses will be rented to private tenants at market prices to generate income for the council, with 17 per cent of the homes being affordable rent.
The other homes will eventually be built at Southwater, Hollinswood, Malinslee, Wildwood in Woodside and Springfields in Newport, although no other planning applications have yet been submitted.
The council will set up and own a private company which will manage the properties.
Councillor Bill McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for finance and enterprise, said: "This scheme will deliver quality private rental and affordable rental homes in response to the borough's projected housing needs.
"It is a major programme that will deliver jobs in retail and construction and generate income to boost the borough's economy. I look forward the first phase being ready for people to rent later in the year."
In addition, the programme will see shops, bars and restaurants built in Southwater and Madeley, which council chiefs say will build on the successful regeneration of those areas.
The first phase will be closely followed by phase two which will include Madeley Court, Newport, Woodside and Malinslee.
The project is expected to cost the council nearly £60 million, with funding to come from borrowing, the council's capital budget and developer contributions. The authority expects to receive a total of nearly £80 million over the project's 30-year life span.
