New contractor appointed to complete redevelopment work on iconic building

The transformation of an iconic building in Telford into apartments will continue following the administration of a main contractor.

Former developers Saxonby (Affordable Housing) Limited of Shrewsbury went into administration in February last year with the loss of 41 jobs. Work on the Telford residential site was put on hold.

Now, following a tender process, the Trust has appointed Novus Property Solutions to undertake the work, which is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2020.

The Wrekin Housing Trust’s redevelopment of Haybridge Hall in Hadley will see 10 apartments for older people created.

The project involves an investment of in excess of £1.7m, which is being funded by The Wrekin Housing Trust, Telford & Wrekin Council and Homes England.

Matt Beckley, project manager from The Wrekin Housing Trust, said: “It is great that we have appointed Novus Property Solutions to see this exciting project come to final fruition. The works are now continuing at Haybridge Hall, where our plans involve the partial demolition of the old hall building, but the retention of its original facade.

“We are working hard to create a fantastic living space for future tenants. The building will 10 retirement living apartments with a glazed courtyard and atrium making it a very pleasant place to live.”

Dean Povey, build operations manager at Novus, said: “This project will grant a new lease of life to an excellent building that has been vacant for a number of years. The work will completely refresh the property, allowing it to provide fantastic local accommodation for the elderly for years to come.

“At Novus we’ve built up a wealth of experience in heritage refurbishment, allowing us to bring buildings back into use by incorporating modern facilities while preserving and enhancing original features.”

Haybridge Hall was built around 1870 and was bequeathed to the people of Hadley in 1965 by Graham Murphy, from the family that owned Wrekin Brewery.