Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is spending £2m to regenerate a derelict former school site in Telford with 207 new homes. A total of 86 – just over 41% – will be set aside for social rent, the most affordable type of housing.
The move comes as the region faces an acute shortage of affordable homes after decades of underinvestment in social housing.
There are currently 7,148 households with 15,067 children living in temporary accommodation in the West Midlands, while a further 60,000 people are on social housing waiting lists.
The regeneration of the 18-acre site of the former Phoenix School is the third housing investment the mayor has made in Telford since he took office in May 2024.
In that time, he has spent £10.5m to support around 600 new homes, 270 of which are social and affordable, including extra-care apartments for the elderly.
‘Turbocharge social housing’
“My priority since taking office has been to turbocharge the construction of more social rent housing because too many people are waiting too long for a safe, secure place to call home – and it’s blighting their lives,” Parker said.
“This investment in Telford will change lives for the better, especially for those stuck in temporary accommodation or poor-quality private rentals.
“And it means another derelict brownfield site is being transformed into a place where people can live, raise families, and feel proud of their neighbourhood again.”
Developer Lovell Partnerships will use the £2m to help with site preparation costs.
Once they’re built, 71 of the homes will be sold by Lovell on the open market; 50 will be sold to NuPlace, a lettings company owned by Telford and Wrekin Borough Council, for private rent.
The 86 social rent homes will be managed by the Housing Plus Group.
Cllr Lee Carter, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “By providing a range of homes including accessible and adaptable housing to meet different needs, the scheme will help more people access quality housing while supporting the continued growth and regeneration of the area.”
