09/11/09 - Exciting Madeley project moves forward as demolition begins

Billy Welsh, Chairman of Madeley Parish Council and a member of the Project Team, agreed, and added:"We've got an amazing variety of skills already assembled in the local volunteers on our steering group, but there's a lot to be done and we still need more people to offer their skills or just their time - and join us.”

Ian Cox, partnership and Development Director comments:“We are passionate to ensure that the investment is cascaded down to our Staffordshire Supply Chain Partners” Madeley’s Village Hall and Scout Hut are currently being demolished along with the former Lea House Care Home to make way for an exciting community development which will see a range of services available for local people living in Newcastle-under-Lyme's large rural area.In addition to building the 63 apartment extra care scheme, the development will also see a new low-carbon community village hall complex being created, with solar panels, a ground source heat pump, and a 'green' roof. The hall will be able to seat 200 people and provide a venue for live theatre events, plus sports and leisure activities.

In addition to this there will be a café, IT and library facilities, a "Rural Hub" advice centre, a Children's Centre, outreach health work, and a range of rooms to be used by community organisations. Land surrounding the site already contains allotments and will be managed in a wildlife friendly way, hosting farmers’ markets and environmental activities.

At the Madeley scheme the two-bedroom apartments will be available for rent, shared ownership and outright sale. The extra care scheme is due for completion in December 2010, the completion of the village hall scheme follows on immediately afterwards.Charles Taylor, Development Programme Manager for Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, Newcastle Borough Council, Thomas Vale Construction and the Madeley Community Development Group on this very exciting project. This unique development will bring huge benefits, not only to the residents in the extra care scheme but also to the local community as a whole.”