Our housebuilding story started more than 100 years ago when J.K Morris built the Porthill Gardens estate on Porthill Road in Shrewsbury. Today, our well-respected property business is known for not only quality and service but shaping the local landscape.
Our housing portfolio is diverse, ranging from the conversion of an old carriage works in Shrewsbury’s town centre and a former school in Oswestry, to building mews houses in Ironbridge and four- and five-bedroom family homes in Shrewsbury. In addition to creating these private collections, we build for local authorities and social housing providers such as Wrekin Housing Group, who are now one of the largest in the West Midlands.
We caught up with our Morris Property housing experts Andy Richards, Contracts Manager, and Chris Price, Site Manager, who are currently working on a project with Wrekin Housing Trust to build 27 houses off Whitchurch Road near Prees. Whilst on site, we discussed what makes their approach to residential developments a success.
Together, Andy and Chris have over 65 years of experience in the industry and work seamlessly with the extended team to deliver housing projects on schedule and to the highest standard.
Having worked in family businesses throughout his career, Andy impressed with his attitude and values when he joined Morris Property just over a year ago. He worked on the community-led partnership project in Prees before the project was re-tendered to Morris Property, and our team were delighted to bring Andy on board. With over 20 years’ experience as a Contracts Manager, Andy is responsible for our projects from the initial technical stage to client handovers.
As site manager, Chris has a wealth of managerial housing experience built over 40 years. His day-to-day work involves overseeing the logistical requirements of projects, setting responsibilities for tasks and deadlines to on-site teams, as well as being a main point of contact for clients. Previously, Chris has worked on large scale developments for multi-nationals including overseeing Sutton Grange on Oteley Road and Lawley Village Developments in Telford.
From housing developments to industrial units, the Morris Property team pride themselves on their adaptability, professional approach and proactive attitude.
When asked about the difference between working on industrial units to residential developments, Chris highlights the range of trades required from day one. He says “From initial technical handover, the site is filled with a range of tradesmen from the start which boosts local employment, whereas commercial developments may only need four trades to follow their construction process.”
Currently the duo is working on 27 energy efficient, affordable homes for the Wrekin Housing Group in Prees. The site is progressing well, with client handover programmed for February 2024. Always passionate about involving the community where they can, the team is currently working with local primary schools on a time capsule project. The site is currently sixteen weeks into construction, with bricks being laid just six weeks after arriving on site.
To find out more about our housing experience, please visit our case studies here. If you have land for potential residential development, please get in contact here.
