NEWSROOM

Supported by Telford & Wrekin Council, St George’s & Priorslee Parish Council and Nuplace, the Council’s wholly-owned housing company, the project has breathed new life into the building.

The Gower was originally constructed in 1873 as a community hospital before later becoming a school and youth centre.

New community and office spaces completes the programme of work, alongside 13 private rent homes which were handed over and occupied by residents late last year.

The southern wing of the original building has been repurposed into three two-bedroom homes with character features, whilst the north wing has been converted into a new community space and offices for St George’s & Priorslee Parish Council.

In addition to the three homes within the existing building, there are also ten two-bedroom new build homes situated to the rear of the development which all come equipped with fully integrated appliances and a communal garden.

There are still a few finishing touches to be added to the external and landscaped areas which will be completed when the weather cools.

Lovell Partnerships who have completed the construction programme have now handed over the Gower building to the Council, with leases in place with Nuplace and St George's & Priorslee Council for their respective parts. 

The Council’s regeneration plans for the Gower building development has also facilitated the delivery of a new children’s play park, which was completed at St George's in October 2022 and replaced the previous play area at The Gower, offering new and original play equipment for residents to enjoy.

The relocation of St Georges & Priorslee Council into the northern wing of the building will also return previously occupied space at St Georges Primary to the school, enabling them to enhance the educational facilities available to pupils with more flexibility around their accommodation.

The Gower restoration is one of many Telford & Wrekin Council investment projects which aim to make the Borough a better place to live, learn, work and socialise.

Councillor Nathan England, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said:

“Across the Borough we’re bringing some of our most historic buildings back into use as new homes or apartments or completely refurbishing them to safeguard them for many years to come.

“This project has been essential to protect and restore an iconic building at the heart of the St George's community, which has been used by local people over many generations.

“The incorporation of a large community hall, with catering kitchen and stage, will enable this space to be used by local community groups for many years to come and we’re delighted to see this project completed.

“The new homes and apartments at this site offer great places to live as well and the completion of the north wing of the building provides new office and community spaces for St George’s & Priorslee Parish Council.”

Councillor Rob Cadman, Vice Chair of St George’s & Priorslee Parish Council, said:

“The Parish Council is delighted to be moving into the newly refurbished Gower and bringing the building back into public use.

“Moving to a significantly larger building than our existing offices will allow us to not only increase our own offering to residents of the parish but bring much needed additional community space to the local area too.

“The Gower is an historic building and it is great to see it back in community use. From hospital, to school, to youth centre, the Gower has been through a number of identities and it is great to see it assume its next one as a community space for all."