Midlands-based construction specialist, McPhillips, has partnered with developer-operator, Untold Living, to deliver an innovative Integrated Retirement Community in Shropshire.
The pioneering construction techniques will slash build times and speed up the delivery of later living accommodation in a county where pensioners are expected to make up more than a quarter of residents by 2026.
The project will create much-needed flexible and supportive living for retirees in the form of 61 apartments, 15 bungalows, an on-site bistro and integrated care facilities.
Paul Inions, managing director of McPhillips, said: “Construction on-site at Newport is being driven by modern, factory-led approaches to reduce costs, speed up timelines and minimise disruption to nearby residents.
“This type of approach must become commonplace if we are to stand a chance at resolving the growing demand for older living accommodation and meet the seniors housing target of 50,000 units a year.”
“Currently, as a nation, we are falling woefully short of this target and demand is only going to get higher as people live longer and longer.”
Use of MMC at Newport means the large, steel supporting structures for the main apartment blocks will arrive pre-manufactured, complete with windows, insulation and brick ties.
Further innovation is planned for the site’s bungalows, with roofs to be built at ground level before being craned into position. This technique not only speeds up the construction process but also significantly improves site health and safety.
Paul added: “The apartment panels are due to arrive on-site later this month from our subcontractor Remagin based in Leeds.”
“Once here, the panels will be craned into position and the main apartment block structures will be erected in just 12 weeks – 40% faster than if we were using traditional methods but with no sacrifice on quality.”
“This approach is a gamechanger for the senior living housing sector and we are proud to be demonstrating our commitment.”
“We’re not only helping to meet the rising demand for retiree housing, but we are also helping to address the wider housing needs in the Newport area by freeing up larger homes for younger families. It’s a model that could certainly be replicated across more towns in the UK.”
The government recently announced £39billion for new social and affordable housing and the housing minister recently noted that the “need to provide sufficient housing to meet older people’s specific needs is critical”.
ARCO, the national membership body for housing-with-care, believes that at least 20% of this new investment should be reserved for specialist housing for older people and, in particular, Integrated Retirement Communities like the one being developed in Newport.
Work on the Newport retirement community started in October 2024 and is due for completion in summer 2026. The scheme has been designed by Gaunt Francis Architects and the project is being managed by Total Project Integration.
Amy Herbert, director of operations at Untold Living, said: “There’s a pressing need nationally for high-quality, smaller housing options for retirees and our Newport development demonstrates our commitment to helping to resolve this shortage.”
“This development will enable older residents to remain within their cherished community whilst enjoying more manageable and supportive living environments.”
“Here, retirees can live independently but with the reassurance of 24-hour on-site care staff should it be needed.”
