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Case Studies: The Cedars, Shrewsbury

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Overview

The Cedars in Shrewsbury is an independent-living retirement development full of character. Centred around its namesake, an enormous cedar tree, the horseshoe-shaped building boasts 77 flats overlooking landscaped gardens and a stream.  

Characterised by its unique design, The Cedars offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for its residents. The development, which was built in 1988, features charming alcoves along its corridors, which often work as mini communal lounges where residents can either enjoy the peace and quiet or socialise over coffee. 

The Cedars’ Development Manager Imogen Jones said:

“The cedar tree acts as the centrepiece of the development, and it is very special. It’s very old and the developers built the property around it. We’ve got squirrels that live in the tree and residents will keep us updated on how they’re doing.” 

At the heart of FirstPort’s work at The Cedars is a commitment to provide an exceptional service that is tailored to meet the needs of its community.

Services provided

  • A dedicated Development Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, onsite Monday to Friday during office hours
  • Cleaning and maintenance of the communal areas and guest suite
  • Managing the external contractors we appoint to help look after the building and communal gardens
  • Health and safety checks in line with legislative requirements

There is always something to do at The Cedars and residents often have a very full social calendar. Weekly social activities include coffee mornings, games nights, film nights and the occasional parties – organised through the Residents’ Association. The Development Manager’s monthly newsletter also keeps residents informed about important news and events.

Imogen added:

It’s a wonderful community here and we are always looking at new events we can arrange.

“We even have the odd joint party with our nearby development which raises money for charity and helps everyone to expand their social circles. It’s a wonderful development and the residents are all brilliant and it is a lovely atmosphere to work in.”  

What we manage

  • Residents’ Communal Lounge 
  • Guest suite facilities for visitors, with funds raised going back into the service charge
  • Communal Gardens
  • Septic tank
  • Two lifts
  • Water pump 

Additionally, managing the financial aspects of the development is crucial to ensuring its long-term sustainability. With a focus on excellent financial planning, The Cedars operates with reserves to cover essential maintenance and repairs, such as servicing for its two lifts. The introduction of a comprehensive five-year plan enables proactive budgeting for future expenses, ensuring that the development remains well-maintained and financially stable.

Due to the size of the building, visitors and contractors can sometimes get lost when navigating the building. However, FirstPort has implemented proactive measures such as welcome packs and clear signage to help mitigate these challenges, ensuring a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.

What our residents think

“The location of The Cedars is ideal as it’s on the edge of the town centre with a regular bus service. It’s far enough off the main road to be a quiet, safe, and peaceful development but with great local amenities. The gardens are well-kept and are a joy to behold. Our guest suite is like a little flat and was a godsend when I was moving in.”

Carol, a resident at The Cedars.

 

The Cedars provides comfort, companionship, and tranquillity for its residents, and FirstPort’s management of the development demonstrates its overall commitment to delivering a tailored approach to make sure our customers can enjoy their home and community.

FirstPort works with a range of clients – from Resident Management Companies to national and regional property developers across the UK – to provide unrivalled property management services.

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