Flats work halted at historic Telford building after developers go into administration
The transformation of an iconic Telford building into apartments has stopped after the developer carrying out the work was placed into administration.
Haybridge Hall, in Hadley, was being turned into ten apartments for older people – in a redevelopment led by the Wrekin Housing Trust.
But, all work has stopped and the site has now closed down after property developers Saxonby (Affordable Housing) Limited of Shrewsbury entered administration last week – with 41 people losing their jobs as a result.
Beverley Ashton, head of marketing and business research at the Wrekin Housing Trust, said: "Work at our Haybridge Hall development has been paused and the site closed.
"We have arranged for 24-hour security to patrol and monitor the site.
"The trust is currently liaising with the administrator, FRP Advisory, and we will issue a statement once we have received further information from FRP Advisory."
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The company, which traded under the name Saxonby (Affordable Housing) Limited, was a residential housing developer specialising in affordable housing. It had been trading since 2008 and was a part of the Saxonby group of companies.
Previously, Rajnesh Mittal, from specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, who was appointed as a joint administrator, said: "Unfortunately due to cash flow pressures, Saxonby (Affordable Housing) Limited has been forced into administration.
"The financial position of the company has meant that we have had to make 41 members of staff redundant."
Mr Mittall also confirmed that work at all of the company's live construction sites had been paused while they explore the options for the firm.
The Wrekin Housing Trust had contributed £883,000, Telford & Wrekin Council £475,000, and the Homes and Communities Agency £349,500 for the Haybridge Hall development project, which would protect the building's history while also meeting modern needs.
The new homes would be let by the Wrekin Housing Trust, and would provide modern apartments for the retired.
Residents would have been able to benefit from additional services such as a dedicated retirement living coordinator, newsletters and organised social activities.
Haybridge Hall was built around 1870. It was bequeathed to the people of Hadley in 1965 by Graham Murphy, of the family which owned Wrekin Brewery.
In June 2015, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet imposed measures which prevented the demolition of Haybridge the hall without planning permission being granted for a replacement.
The locally listed building had been empty for about three years, when the trust decided it was no longer suitable for use as sheltered housing for the elderly.
