Building contractor SWG Construction have started work on the new Coton Hill House project in Shrewsbury this week.

The Powys-based company won the contract through a competitive tender exercise conducted by Shropshire Council on behalf of Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing.

The development is set to offer 25 self-contained supported living one-bedroom apartments to single homeless people who are statutorily homeless.

The project has been greenlighted since October 2023 and is expected to be completed by early spring 2025.

The renovation work that began on Monday, April 22 involves the erection of site perimeter fencing and site preparation.

On completion, Coton Hill House is set to offer quality accommodation, communal space for training, and experienced support tailored to individual needs, as part of the council's efforts to improve the provision of temporary accommodation.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and assets, said: "I am delighted that we now have a contractor to begin development of Coton Hill House.

"As with many councils across the UK we’re seeing more people presenting themselves as homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.

"The consequences of not providing suitable accommodation for homeless single people would mean individuals remaining in wholly unsuitable provision such as bed and breakfast type accommodation.

"This limits a person’s opportunity and ability to improve their situation and move on."

He also said: "The service at Coton Hill will involve planned, supported accommodation and wraparound support for those presenting as homeless, most of whom want to help themselves find a permanent home and a job and be very much part of their community."

Grant funding for the scheme has been secured from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, in addition to funding from the council.

Shaun Humphries, construction director for SWG Group, said: "We are pleased to have been awarded the contract for this project, and will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum during the work.

"We are proud of our record of delivering major construction projects across Shropshire, Mid Wales and the West Midlands, and we look forward to getting started on site."

Shropshire Council has a statutory duty to support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing suitable, safe, and secure accommodation.