Shropshire Star

Renovation work on historic former Telford youth club delayed by more than a year after 'unforeseen' problems

Twenty-one months after work began on restoring a historic former youth club in Telford, new footage has revealed there's still a long road ahead.

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When work to restore the iconic Gower building in St Georges in Telford began in February last year, it was hoped that it would be completed by 'summer 2024'.

But with summer having come and gone, it appears there is still quite a way to go before the historic building will reopen.

The project, being undertaken by Telford & Wrekin Council, St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council and Nuplace Ltd, will see the building used as a community space, parish council offices and residential development.

Now, work isn't expected to be completed until autumn 2025, as the teams working on the project work to overcome the challenges of renovating an ageing and dilapidated property.

The Gower in St Georges, Telford
The Gower in St Georges, Telford

Built in the year 1873, The Gower first operated as a hospital for the mining community. From 1879 to the 1960s it functioned as a school, later reopening as the Oakengates and District Youth Club and eventually changing to Gower Street Youth Club.

Around 2004, the club closed down due to the cost of maintaining the building after the heating system failed.