Leading Midlands firm McPhillips has completed the construction of 13 high-quality, affordable homes in Shrewsbury.
The six one-bedroom flats and seven two-bedroom houses off Racecourse Crescent have been built to high energy-efficient standards, featuring air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging points.
McPhillips was appointed by STAR Housing to complete work on the development when construction by a previous contractor was halted in 2022, with the project an example of effective collaboration between McPhillips, STAR Housing and Shropshire Council.
Successful delivery of the homes was celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 15, attended by the McPhillips project team, members of the STAR Housing Board and Shropshire Council.
Stuart MacKenzie, construction and contracts director at McPhillips said: “We’re pleased to have worked with STAR Housing and Shropshire Council to deliver these 13 high-quality homes at Racecourse Crescent.
“The strength of this partnership has been evident throughout the project, enabling us to successfully deliver both the affordable rental homes and the specialist supported living accommodation. It’s been particularly rewarding to see how the collaborative approach between all partners has resulted in sustainable, energy-efficient homes that will make a real difference to residents’ lives in Shrewsbury.”
Collaborative project management was identified as a critical factor in the successful completion of the homes by STAR Housing, Senior Development Manager Mark Feeney: “This project has been by far the easiest of the completion projects I’ve worked on thanks to collaboration.
“Regular site meetings with a joint problem-solving approach, strong site manager leadership and an integrated team structure all contributed to the project being delivered on time and on budget despite the complexity of inherited incomplete construction.”
While Harpreet Rayet, managing director of STAR Housing said: “This development is a great example of what can be achieved through strong local partnerships. We’re proud to have delivered homes that are not only affordable but also sustainable and future ready.”
James Owen, Shropshire Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, added: “Racecourse Crescent is more than just a new housing development: it’s a symbol of what we can achieve through strong local partnerships. I’m proud to see Shropshire Council working alongside STAR Housing and McPhillips to deliver real opportunities for local residents.”
Sustainable building specifications and high energy-efficiency standards integrated throughout the development reflect the exacting demands of modern housing.
As well as the ground source heat pumps and solar panels to every property, high insulation standards were implemented across all building for energy efficiency, while permeable road surfacing and paving were implemented to manage surface water drainage through a gravity-fed underground dispersal system.
All properties are to the silver Secured by Design standard, a police-approved security specification, and the cul-de-sac features solar powered street lighting.
Of the 13 new homes, nine are available for affordable rent through Shropshire HomePoint, while four have been allocated for supported living in collaboration with Shropshire Council. The first tenants are expected to move in by October.
Back
