Work begins on new council house development at site of Melrose Centre in Shotton

Work has begun on a new council housing development on the site of the former Melrose Centre in Shotton.

Contractors and heavy machinery moved onto the site, next to St Ethelwold’s Primary School – at the end of last week as ground work got underway.

The development of 5 houses and 4 apartments is the latest scheme under Flintshire County Council’s five-year Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme known as SHARP.

The programme which began in summer 2015 in partnership with Wates Residential aims to deliver 200 council and 300 affordable homes as the council bids to meet the growing and urgent need for affordable housing in the county.

Councillors approved ‘prudential borrowing’ of £1.1m in 2017 to fund the building new homes on the Melrose Centre site.

The centre had become a target for vandalism, antisocial behaviour and thieves had stripped the roof of all lead flashing in the months following the closure of the facility. It was levelled last year in preparation for building work.

Melrose Centre became a magnet for anti social behaviour following its closure.

The council says a robust traffic management plan has been developed to minimise disruption to nearby St Ethelwold’s Primary School.

‘There will also be 24 hour security coverage of the site which will also be subject to Considerate Constructors Scheme which is an industry-standard commitment to ensure all sites are kept clean about appearance, respect the community, protect the environment and local neighbourhood.’ A spokesperson said.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Bernie Attridge, said:

“The redevelopment of the former Melrose Centre, Shotton will see the development of 5 houses and 4 apartments which will be managed by Flintshire County Council.

Applicants will be drawn from the Council’s Housing Register and a Local Lettings Policy will apply to the scheme.

Work started on the site on 19 March and the new properties are projected to be completed by November 2018.”

Five new Council properties were recently handed over to tenants in Leeswood.

The site has previously been a garage site and had been a source of anti-social behaviour which was having a detrimental impact on nearby residents.

The five properties were let to local people via a ‘Local Lettings Policy’ and are part of the Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme.

This scheme builds upon the other sites either completed or on site at Connah’s Quay, Flint, Mold and Shotton.

Leader of Flintshire County Council Aaron Shotton said:

“I am delighted the Council continues to deliver on its promise of delivering high quality, affordable homes which enable local people to remain living in their local communities. The tenants we met are delighted with their new homes.”

Cllr Ray Hughes said:

“The old garages had become an eyesore and also caused antisocial issues for local residents. Not only has the new scheme transformed the site, it has also enabled young families to remain living in Leeswood and their children can attend the local primary school.”