Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy KCVO today unveiled the engraved foundation stone, to mark progress at the Drapers’ Almshouses being built in Horsefair, off Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury.

The £3.3 million development to provide almshouses for elderly people needing accommodation in Shrewsbury is being built by Morris Property and is scheduled for completion in October 2016.

The Master and Directors of Shrewsbury Drapers Holy Cross invited guests and dignitaries including the Mayor and Mayoress of Shrewsbury, Councillor Miles Kenny and Mrs Aurona Kenny to join them to witness the laying of the stone by the Lord-Lieutenant, which was followed by a reception and light buffet at Drapers Hall.

“Richard Clowes, Master of the organisation said: “Today’s ceremony marks real progress in the construction of the almshouses and we are delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy has helped us mark the occasion.”

The 25 ‘Warden Assisted’ homes will double the number of Drapers’ almshouses in the town and meet a fast growing need and are the first new almshouses to be built for the Drapers for 50 years.

The three-storey development, to be called Drapers Place, will have 21 one-bedroom apartments and four two bedroom apartments, plus a room for community use and a full-time warden.

Ian Galliers, Chief Executive of Morris Property added: “Work is on schedule despite the dismal weather conditions over the past few months and we are now up to raised ground floor level. The timber frame is due to start in two weeks’ time with the tower crane in place in readiness for construction.”