Whitchurch development for the elderly could cost £14 million
A major new development to provide housing and health services for the elderly in a town could cost about £14 million and take about three years to complete, it has emerged.
Medical facilities and specialised housing could be built as part of the revamp of Pauls Moss in Whitchurch.
Bosses behind the scheme hope a planning application will be submitted to Shropshire Council next year following consultation with local residents.
Although no firm plans are yet in place, details of the scheme were unveiled to the public at a drop-in event held at Whitchurch Civic Centre on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Phil Brenner, who is one of the key people behind the project, said it provided the town with a "once in a lifetime opportunity".
"From my expertise of being involved in similar projects at places like Cannock and Stafford, the one in Whitchurch could cost about £14 million," he said.
"It will be done in different stages but we hope it will be complete within three years.
"This is a huge opportunity for Whitchurch. These things don't come along all the time. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"No firm plans have been drawn up. We are listening to people and want to understand what they want.
"We want people to respond so we can take their views into consideration."
Wrekin Housing Trust has confirmed it is currently exploring the options regarding the potential redevelopment at Pauls Moss site.
The site currently has a mixture of flats and accommodation for elderly people which officials said is in desperate need of refurbishment. The plans for the site include an innovative scheme that would incorporate specialist living accommodation for older people, community space and modern healthcare services all on one site.
As part of the scheme, people in Whitchurch want to see a new ‘super’ GP surgery for the town be built.
The new surgery would also see patients from the town’s two other surgeries – Dodington and Bridgwater – moved there.
Speaking at the consultation event, Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch Peggy Mullock said: "Me and the mayor went to Stafford and Cannock where they have done similar projects and we came away thinking 'we need this in Whitchurch'.
"It will have huge benefit for elderly people.
"I know a lot of people want to see a new medical centre serving the whole town.
"Whitchurch is a town which is growing so we need better medical facilities."
