McPhillips tops out £20m retirement village
A retirement community being built near Telford has marked a major milestone, ahead of a planned completion next summer.
The £20m Newport Retirement Village scheme is currently under construction by Shropshire-based builder McPhillips on behalf of retirement housing firm Untold Living.
When complete, the development will provide 61 apartments and 15 bungalows as part of a purpose built retirement complex on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, roughly mid-way between Telford and Stafford.
The scheme has been designed by Gaunt Francis Architects, with project management by Total Project Integration
At a ceremony marking the topping out of the build held last week, Newport deputy mayor Cllr Bill Harper said: “This is a valuable investment and a great solution to a problem that isn’t really recognised yet. Newport has an aging population and people want to stay local, but not necessarily in their own homes. But they do want to feel secure and this development gives them that opportunity.
“The work that’s being done here is incredible, and that’s a testament to how professional the McPhillips’ team has been; I’d like to thank you all on behalf of Newport Town Council and, of course, your future customers.”
McPhillips broke ground on the scheme in last 2024, with the project employing off-site construction methods in order to speed up progress on the build. Steel frames and panels for the project have been manufactured by Leeds-based Remagin before being assembled on site in Shropshire.
Chris Walker, McPhillips director, said the topping-out ceremony marked an important moment in the build.
“This project is an exemplary demonstration of collaborative working and it is fantastic to see everyone here today – Untold Living, Gaunt Francis Architects, project managers Total Project Integration, representatives from Newport’s Town Council and Chamber of Commerce, and our own McPhillips site team – celebrating the huge progress made since construction started at the end of 2024.”
Scott Orr, CEO of Untold Living added: “This is an exciting milestone in the delivery of the only integrated retirement community in Shropshire. For us this isn’t just about new buildings, it’s about new beginnings. Sundew Court will be a place where retirees can live on their own terms, supported by kindness and surrounded by opportunity.
“Topping out is always a proud moment, but it’s especially meaningful when the local community is part of the celebration. We’ve been made to feel so welcome in Newport, and we look forward to becoming an active member of the wider community and a valued part of local life. We are already seeing significant interest from our information centre at Mere Park Garden Centre, and can’t wait for Sundew Court to open in late summer 2026.”
