A HOUSING development in Prees and a health centre in Whitchurch are part of a £100m package to construct affordable housing in Shropshire.

The investment comes courtesy of the Wrekin Housing Group and could include up to 850 new properties over the next four years, including 173 that will be completed this year.

The pipeline of development opportunities includes the much anticipated Pauls Moss housing and medical care development in Whitchurch.

This project, which brings Wrekin together with The Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Shropshire Council and NHS England, is to deliver a brand new medical centre for the town and surrounding area, while also addressing the shortage of accommodation for over 55s in the local area.

And down the road in Prees, Wrekin have been selected to deliver a community led affordable housing development.

This followed Press Parish Council and Shropshire Council's identification of local housing need that will now be addressed by the development that is expected to go in to planning soon.

Wrekin's group chief executive, Wayne Gethings, said the developments will create new jobs as well as housing.

"The government's message to get building to aid the Covid recovery is something we are getting fully behind," said Mr Gethings. "Our £100m investment will have a significant impact on the local economy, sustain construction jobs and create up to 100 new apprenticeships, as well as deliver much needed affordable housing across Shropshire.

"It's great to be able to announce this package of investment just as Shropshire Council confirm a new chief executive.

"I congratulate Andy on his appointment and look forward to working with him to make a difference to people's lives across Shropshire."