NEWSROOM

Wild Walk was delivered by Lovell Partnerships Ltd in partnership with Nuplace, Telford & Wrekin Council's wholly owned housing company, and Housing Plus Group.

The mixed-tenure scheme has created a vibrant new community, delivering 329 homes. This includes 66 homes for private rent through Nuplace, 77 homes for sale by Lovell, and 186 properties delivered by Housing Plus Group. The Housing Plus Group provision includes one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, a 76-bed extra care facility (including 12 specialist dementia care apartments) and a 20-bed supported living provision.

A year on from completion, a social value report prepared by Lovell has highlighted the significant social, economic and environmental benefits delivered through the Wild Walk development.

The report shows that the scheme delivered a significant boost to the local economy, with £14.7 million spent within a 30-mile radius of the development. Of that, 75% was retained within the local area and 93% was spent with small and medium-sized businesses.

The development also helped to create opportunities for local people, supporting 50 apprentices, providing 25 work experience placements and enabling 17 new employees to work on the contract with Lovell. A further 363 hours of support was provided to help unemployed people gain skills and access employment opportunities.

Alongside the delivery of new homes, the partnership invested £58,900 in community projects and initiatives across the Borough. This included improvements to Donnington Wood Infant School's outdoor learning area, refurbishment works at Telford Sea Cadets and St Matthew's Church, and the restoration of the Dragonfly Play Area at Granville Country Park.

Environmental benefits were also achieved throughout construction, with 98% of waste diverted from landfill and a range of low-carbon construction solutions incorporated into the scheme.

Councillor Nathan England, Telford & Wrekin Council's Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: "Wild Walk has delivered high-quality homes for local people, but the true measure of its success is the lasting positive impact it has had on the wider community.

"The scheme has supported local businesses, created employment and training opportunities, invested in community projects and delivered environmental benefits. It demonstrates how housing developments can help strengthen communities and leave a positive legacy long after construction has been completed."

The Wild Walk development reflects the shared commitment of all partners to creating not only homes, but thriving communities that support residents, local businesses and neighbourhoods for years to come.

Stuart Penn, Regional Partnerships Director at Lovell, said: “Wild Walk is a true showcase of what can be achieved when partners share a vision - sustainable homes, meaningful investment in people and a community built to last. The variety of housing types at the site more than meets resident needs and can provide accommodation for all walks of life.

“We’re proud of the legacy this project leaves for Telford and this foundation will continue to serve as the basis for other developments across the region.”

Jane Kind, Development Manager Specialist Accommodation at Housing Plus Group, said: "We are extremely proud to have delivered 186 homes at Wild Walk, including family homes, extra care accommodation and supported living provision, helping to meet a range of local housing needs.

"It is particularly rewarding to see the social value delivered through the scheme, from supporting local employment and businesses to investing in community projects and creating opportunities for people across the Borough. These are the lasting benefits that help communities thrive long after the homes have been built."