Regeneration in the heart of Wem
In Wem, North Shropshire, Connexus is transforming a former police station and office site into 31 affordable homes, bringing new housing to the heart of the historic market town.
The redevelopment will see the former police station converted into 13 one- and two-bedroom apartments for affordable rent, while the remaining buildings have been demolished to make way for 18 new two- and three-bedroom homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Designed to reflect the character of the surrounding area, the development includes a mix of apartments, terraced homes and semi-detached houses. To support energy efficiency and sustainability, the new homes will feature air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and a range of biodiversity measures, including bird and bat boxes and hedgehog-friendly fencing.
Tina Porter, Development Delivery Manager at Connexus, said: "This development will provide a range of affordable housing options for people in Wem, helping to meet local housing need while transforming a site that has served the community for many years but was no longer fit for purpose as office space."
"Rather than leaving a prominent town-centre site unused, we're creating homes that will provide a lasting benefit for local people and contribute to the future of the town."
Work began on site in summer 2025 and is being delivered in partnership with J Harper & Sons, with more than £1.9 million of funding support from Homes England.
The scheme is also an example of Connexus' "replace in place" approach, which focuses on bringing existing sites back into use to support the delivery of affordable housing in established communities.
Tina added: "Edinburgh House shows how regeneration can help unlock opportunities for affordable housing in places where people want and need to live. By redeveloping a brownfield site in a central location, we're providing new homes close to local services, facilities and transport links.
"It's also been great to see the project supporting the development of new skills, with one of our apprentices involved in manufacturing the timber frames that will be used in the construction of the new homes."
Due for completion in spring 2027, the development will provide a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership homes, helping more people access good-quality housing in Wem.