Shropshire Council announces opening of Coton Hill House supported housing scheme

Shropshire Council is proud to announce the opening of Coton Hill House, a newly redeveloped supported housing scheme located on Berwick Road, Shrewsbury. 

This initiative marks a significant step forward in providing safe, secure accommodation for individuals at risk of homelessness. 

Originally an elderly residential home, Coton Hill House has been transformed into 25 self-contained one-bedroom flats, designed to offer stability and independence for single people in need. The scheme will provide 24/7 housing support alongside a dedicated concierge service, ensuring residents receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their needs. 

Key features of Coton Hill House include: 

• Modern facilities: The major refurbishment has transformed an outdated building that was no longer fit for purpose, into individual flats, with a range of communal facilities to provide support to residents.  

• Focus on tenancy skills: Helping residents build the skills necessary to find long-term housing and ensure this is sustained. 

• Multi-agency support hub: The Housing Support staff on site will be working with a range of other services to address any issues that have led residents to become homeless and ensure a joined-up approach to conduct assessments and deliver support effectively. 

• Community integration: The Housing team have worked very closely with the local community and will continue to do so. The scheme is part of Shropshire Council’s wider strategy to reduce homelessness and promote positive move-on opportunities. 

The opening of Coton Hill House follows the successful launch of other schemes this year, including The Tannery in Shrewsbury and Parish Rooms in Bridgnorth. These projects reflect Shropshire Council’s commitment to innovative housing solutions that address local needs and providing better support to those who are homeless. 

The council has taken a number of actions to reduce the use of expensive hotel accommodation for homeless people. This scheme will mean a further 25 residents who will no longer be housed in hotel accommodation. This accommodation is very expensive and does not allow residents to have their own cooking facilities and there is no onsite support. 

The first residents have now begun moving into Coton Hill House, marking the start of a new chapter for those seeking stability and support. Each individual will receive a tailored support plan, helping them develop essential life skills and prepare for long-term housing opportunities. This milestone demonstrates the council’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable residents have access to safe accommodation and the resources they need to thrive. 

Jan Ashdown, who has recently moved into Coton Hill House, said: 

“I’m so very grateful for the lovely temporary accommodation I’ve been provided with. I really appreciate the good standard of the accommodation and all the furniture provided. The heating system is wonderful and very responsive. The communal lounge area and the facilities are lovely. It was so nice to move in with the beds made and everything all ready for me. It’s reassuring that there is good security in the building and this makes me feel very safe as there’s staff here all day and night.  All the staff are so friendly and have been very helpful and accommodating. They are so willing to help and support me in temporary accommodation.” 

Councillor James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing, said: 

“We are delighted to open Coton Hill House and provide a safe, supportive environment for those who need it most. This development is a testament to our team’s dedication and the strong partnerships that make these projects possible.” 

The refurbishment of Coton Hill House has been partly paid for by the Government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Project (SHAP). The works were managed by Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing) and the have been carried out by local contractor, SWG Group.