A £20.8 million flagship development on a former shopping centre site is helping address the shortage of high-quality affordable housing for older people, while
supporting Trent & Dove’s wider ambition to expand housing across its communities.
The social housing provider has officially opened Tyldesley Court, an over 55s scheme delivered as part of its five-year strategic plan to build 700 homes by 2027. With around 10,000 people currently on the waiting list, the development plays a key role in addressing the affordable housing shortage, while offering residents greater safety and security.
Demonstrating the exclusivity of specialist housing, each apartment has been designed to support independent living, featuring pull-cord alarm systems, portable call units linked to a 24-hour warden call service, secure fob entry systems and video access so residents can check visitors before granting entry.
Demand for this type of housing is expected to grow significantly. According to the ONS, the number of people of State Pension age or over is expected to grow by 55% over the next 50 years, from 12.6 million people in 2025 to 19.5 million people in 2075. Reflecting this trend, all apartments at Tyldesley Court have been let.
The scheme also incorporates a multi-generational approach. Alongside 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments for over 55s, the development includes ten three-bedroom family homes and nine general needs apartments.
Located in Burton town centre, Staffordshire, the site has undergone a major transformation. Once home to a brewery – an influence reflected in the design – it later became a shopping centre in the 1960s before being demolished in 2010 and left vacant for over a decade. The redevelopment has brought new life to the brownfield site, with views overlooking the River Trent.
Ursula Bennion, CEO at Trent & Dove, said: “Tyldesley Court represents a significant investment in Burton upon Trent and demonstrates what can be achieved when strong partnerships come together with a shared commitment to tackling the shortage of affordable housing.
“By transforming a long-derelict site into a vibrant new neighbourhood, we’re delivering high-quality homes for over 55s and families that enable people to live well and remain connected to their local community.”
The project received a £6.6 million grant from Homes England through Trent & Dove’s strategic partnership with Orbit. The official opening was marked by East Staffordshire Mayor Kim Smith BEM, who unveiled a plaque during a tour showcasing the development’s early impact.
Delivered by Morro Partnerships, the scheme was completed in collaboration with BPN Architects, Gleeds and Stanbridge Interiors.
Charlie Riley, Development Director at Trent & Dove, added:
“Bringing together the expertise of Trent & Dove, our strategic partners at Orbit, Homes England, and the wider project team, highlights how vital partnership working is to the benefit of not only our customers, but also provides a boost for local businesses.
“Developments like this are crucial as the demand for high-quality, affordable homes for people over 55 continues to grow. Providing the right homes at the right time not only supports residents to live independently for longer, it also helps free up family housing and strengthens the wider housing market.”
Future residents contributed to the design through a Founders’ Group, helping shape features such as kitchens and communal spaces.